TOPEKA, Kansas – The state’s two previous governors rejected bills that would further regulate abortion, but Governor Sam Brownback is now expected to sign them in to law. Wednesday, first-round approval was given to a bill that would further regulate abortion clinics in Kansas. Tuesday, two abortion pills landed on the governor’s desk. One restricts abortions after the 21st week because of pain to the fetus; the other requires two parents to give written consent for a minor. But opponents say the legislation is tampering with women’s rights.
Anti-abortion advocates have been fighting for abortion bills since the beginning of the legislative session. Now pro-life supporters are celebrating the passage of two abortion bills that now await the Governor’s signature.
“They are two very good bills that were crafted to be constitutionally correct,” said Melinda Craft with Kansans for Life.
But one bill is drawing strong criticism from the pro-choice side that requires minors seeking an abortion to get written consent from two parents.
“This puts a whole new dynamic at place in that situation, which many teens will not be comfortable with,” said Kari Ann Rinker with Kansas National Organization for Women.
Rinker says the bill is troubling and will only make matters worse for minors seeking abortion.
"What is does is slow the entire process for a teen seeking abortion care when during desperate times when a teenager should need expedient confidential medical attention,” she said.
Kansas will join Mississippi and North Dakota as the only states with laws requiring written consent from both parents. Supporters of the bill say it will essentially decrease abortions.
“Teenagers in a situation will be more considerate, more careful with their decisions,” said Melinda Craft with Kansans for Life. “They will be better educated on the consequences of abortions.”
Rinker, however, says the bill is nothing more than poor public policy at a time when other issues are more important.
