Search Here

After North Dakota passed the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the United States' history, some other states have looked at their abortion policies. The North Dakota law bans women from getting abortions once there is a fetal heartbeat present, which can be as early as six weeks, and if there are any genetic abnormalities.  Furthermore, doctors who do abortions must have admitting privileges at the hospital. Now, in Kansas, a restricting anti-abortion bill, which would severely limit women's rights, might be passed into law as well.

The Kansas anti-abortion bill states that life starts at fertilization, and bans abortions based solely the sex preferences. The bill will also stop tax breaks for abortion providers. Aside from these restrictions, the bill also forbids abortion providers from entering the classroom and educating children about abortion in public school sex education classes. It also created a set of guidelines regarding what doctors can discuss with their patients who seek abortion, and requires doctors mention the breast cancer risks in women who have had abortions although there is not hardcore proof that this is true. 

The bill was passed overwhelmingly in the House, which voted 90 to 30 in favor. The Senate passed the bill 28 to 10 several hours after the House this past Friday. The bill has subsequently been sent to the Republican governor, Sam Brownback, who has been an opponent of abortion. Although the governor has not signed the bill yet, he did state that he is "pro-life." Ever since Gov. Brownback took office in January 2011, the rate of abortions has steadily declined 11 percent. If the bill is signed into law, the new abortion provisions will start at the beginning of July.

Pro-abortion activists are worried that this bill could severely limit access to abortion. With all of the provisions, it would be a lot harder for a pregnant woman to find a place that would do the procedure. Furthermore, by not allowing abortion providers to take part in sex education classes, young girls are not being properly educated about their options and might not know where to go or who to turn to when they need help.

The bill is known as HB 2253 and is currently awaiting the governor's decision.