In Kansas
Kansas’s legal protections for unborn life have been put in danger by the Kansas Supreme Court. But, pro-lifers in Kansas are working hard to fix that, and you can help! Hear from Kansas Family Voice about what’s at stake, and how you can be part of the fight for life. Then, keep reading to find out more about what abortion law would be in your state after Roe.
Connect with Kansas Family Voice
THE BIG QUESTION
After Roe, will my state ban nearly all abortions or allow nearly all abortions?
Kansas has many strong prolife laws on the books currently, but a recent ruling from the Kansas Supreme Court puts all those laws at risk. The Court, like that in Roe v. Wade, invented a “right to abortion” in the Kansas Constitution and gave Kansans even less say in the process than the U.S. Court does. Pro-lifers will need to work hard to protect the abortions limitations Kansas does have. Read about them below and connect with Kansas Family Voice to learn how you can help.
WHAT’S NEXT
What is my state’s next step in the fight for life, once Roe is overturned?
Here in Kansas, we have a disappointing circumstance in that if Roe is overturned, we still have to contend with a Kansas Supreme Court decision that made abortion a “right.”
MORE ABOUT YOUR STATE’S ABORTION LAWS
Below, we’ve summarized what abortion laws would be in your state after Roe.
Abortion Limits, Exceptions and Enforcement
Limitations on abortions
If my state won’t ban all abortions, what are the limits to abortion?
The following limitations are “on the books” in Kansas law, but have been put at risk by the Kansas Supreme Court ruling that found a supposed “right to an abortion” in the Kansas constitution:
Abortion is prohibited at the time of viability. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6703(a) (2014)).
Gender-selective abortions are prohibited. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6726(a) (2014)).
Partial-birth abortion is prohibited. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6721 (2014)).
Abortions are prohibited when a baby can feel pain, recognized at 20 weeks gestation by statute (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6722 (2014)).
Exceptions to any limitations
Are there any exceptions to those limitations placed on abortion?
Yes, if there is a medical emergency to preserve the mother’s life or prevent substantial and irreversible physical impairment (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6703(a) (2014)).
Penalties for performing an illegal abortion
What are the penalties to abortion providers for committing an illegal abortion (one of the forms of abortion that my state has limited under the law)?
The first violation of the post-viability ban is a class A nonperson misdemeanor; future violations are a severity level 10, nonperson felony.(Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6703(k) (2014)).
Enforcement
When abortion laws are violated, who can file a lawsuit to enforce their rights and the law?
The father of the unborn child or parents of the mother (if she is under 18 years old) may obtain relief in a civil action for violations of the partial-birth ban. (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 65-6703(g) (2014)).
Special standards of care
Does my state impose a special medical standard of care on abortion providers?
No.
Protecting Fundamental Rights
Parents
Does my state give parents the right to consent for their child to get an abortion?
Yes, consent from both parents is required; however, this state has a method where a minor can obtain permission from the courts to receive an abortion without parental notice or consent. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6704 (2014)).
Medical professionals
Does my state have conscience protections for medical professionals who do not want to participate in abortions?
Yes, discrimination is prohibited towards those that do not provide, pay, or refer for abortions. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6737 (2014))
Babies Born Alive
Are there legal protections for babies born alive following a botched abortion in my state?
Physicians have a legal obligation to maintain the life and health of the child born alive following a botched abortion. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6710(3) (2014)).
Safety & Health of Women
Physician-only requirement
Does an abortion have to be provided by a licensed physician in my state?
Yes, only a licensed physician can perform an abortion in Kansas, and he/she must have a documented referral from a non-interested physician. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6703 (2014))
Informed consent
Does my state’s law require that a woman give informed consent and/or receive counseling prior to allowing an abortion to be performed?
Informed and voluntary consent is required. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6709 (2014)).
The physician is required to provide informational materials, risks, alternatives, etc. (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6709 (2014)).
Waiting period
Does my state place any waiting requirement on abortion so that a mother has more time to decide?
A 24-hour waiting period is required (Kan. Stat. Ann § 65-6709 (2014)).