Gerta Bendl (July 5, 1931 – June 25, 1987) was a Kentucky community activist and legislator who served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1976 until her death in 1987. She was the first woman to chair the Health and Welfare Committee. Her legislation involved "establishing a 'children's survival bill;' creating boarding-home regulations and bills of rights for nursing home residents and persons with developmental disabilities; mandating health insurance coverage for mentally ill; and providing for a living will." She was described as a "leading force" and "force of nature".