Kansas Republicans Propose New Abortion Restrictions

Following a request from Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R), conservatives in the state's House of Representatives introduced legislation Wednesday that would impose new restrictions on abortion.

The bill would require parental consent -- in some cases, that of two parents -- for teenagers seeking such a procedure. The proposal also includes language that would allow law enforcement to access state health records regarding abortions performed in the state.

As The Associated Press points out, legislation of this type has particular significance in Kansas, the state where abortion doctor George Tiller was murdered by an anti-abortion activist in 2009.

[Republican state Rep. Lance Kinzer] said the legislation was aimed at preventing another doctor from coming to Kansas to begin providing late-term abortions following the May 2009 killing of Wichita's Dr. George Tiller. Kinzer also said the law would bring Kansas in line with the federal ban on a procedure opponents call partial-birth abortion.

According to the Kansas Reporter, Kinzer's bill has been cosigned by a bipartisan group of 63 state lawmakers, in what they described as a measure to close "loopholes and lack of enforcement that allowed Kansas to become a late-term abortion destination spot."

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Sarah Gillooly, however, says the proposal is an unnecessary restriction on abortions, especially considering the state's past with Tiller.

"I think it's totally unfounded fear. What physician would want to provide that care in the state?" Gillooly told the Associated Press, referring to the climate in Kansas following Tiller's slaying. "I think if the legislators were interested in reducing the number of abortions in the state of Kansas, they would stop mandating intrusion into the lives of Kansas families and start focusing on reducing the number of unintended pregnancies through affordable birth control and sex ed."

Comments

[TitaniumAvatar]

06:01 PM on 01/21/2011

Where is the 'Keep your Government hands off my healthcare' crowd now?

[Deruist]

05:38 PM on 01/21/2011

It wasn't that long ago that W's Attorney General John Ashcroft wanted to access all abortion records and prosecute all women who ever obtained one. These people are scary.

[Jim Pasterczyk]

05:37 PM on 01/21/2011

Keep in mind the conservatives also believe there is no right to privacy found in the federal constitution. This is one result of that.

[ThePeacemakers]

04:33 PM on 01/21/2011

Women in Kansas should just turn their last name to: "Incorporated".
Then make a lot of noise about how the government is infringing on their freedoms.

[Monk2001]

02:40 PM on 01/21/2011

Kansas > Gestapo

[Deruist]

05:41 PM on 01/21/2011

Reminds me of a funny Geology slogan-- 'bring more geology to Missouri; subduct Kansas'!
Works for me!

[mdmccormick]

11:55 AM on 01/21/2011

Let me see, they believe in smaller government and want them out of everyone’s lives. Did I get that right?

[ThePeacemakers]

04:30 PM on 01/21/2011

By "everyone" they mean those of "corporate personhood", as confirmed by the Supreme Court.

[WarriorLemming]

11:03 AM on 01/21/2011

QUOTE:
"The proposal also includes language that would allow law enforcement to access state health records regarding abortions performed in the state."


Are these the same people who objected to President Obama speaking to school children or thought that this administration was "coming to get them" for FEMA Camps!?! Unbelievable!

[Helloise]

11:02 AM on 01/21/2011

Politicians without souls make claim on those "hidden" in newly pregnant women.

[ssb752]

10:53 AM on 01/21/2011

Stay tuned, America. It's gonna get "better" out here. That freedom loving spirit that was the hallmark of a Kansan has been replaced with our state being completely in the hands of Christian Rightwing Social Socialists. It's wonderful when you not only know what's best for you, but also for everyone else!
PS: If you're wondering why people like that don't fall over, they are in perfect balance. Totalitarian Fiscal Conservative and Social Dictators. See, the "right" hand does know what the "left" hand is doing.

[Liberal2009]

09:58 AM on 01/21/2011

Big government GOPers and there ever loving police state. Next they'll be arresting pregnant women who drive by abortion clinics for probable cause

[kimbanyc]

09:22 AM on 01/21/2011

They are the G Zero P. Zero values, zero principles­, and zero morals.

[drebleloaw]

09:16 AM on 01/21/2011

So this is the "less government" approach?

[WarriorLemming]

11:07 AM on 01/21/2011

Less of President Obama's government and more of their theocratic/autocratic rule.....by white men, of course. ;)

[heckmepitus]

06:56 AM on 01/21/2011

Once single payer healthcare is entrenched we will use its regulatory powers to eliminate abortion. And under single payer it will be impossible for women to go outside the government healthcare system.

[gleitz05]

10:05 AM on 01/21/2011

Who is this "we" you speak of?

[okim5150]

12:00 PM on 01/21/2011

You mean like other countries with single payer? Like Canada, France Germany.... no abortion is legal in those countries.

[ninthraphael]

05:16 AM on 01/21/2011

kansas, not a pretty place is it?

[lizipoo]

02:35 AM on 01/21/2011

Do these narrow minded people not understand that the abortion choice of another is not really their business, not their decision to make and certainly above their paygrade to legislate?   I could understand them more if there were circumstances where the procedure was 'mandatory".   But they jump in thinking they were somehow anointed the guardian, responsible for the behavior of others.  It's apparent they care very little for anyone who doesn't walk lockstep with their thinking so I doubt they truly 'care' much about the outcome of any pregnancy other than those in their circle.   There will never be full consensus on this subject and it's certainly one decision that should remain a matter of personal, individual choice.  Rather, it's now used as a political football by those who choose to force their personal religious dogma on others.   They would be better served by taking another hard look at their right wing stance on imperialistic type warring that costs much precious life as well.

[ninthraphael]

05:17 AM on 01/21/2011

and these are the very people who want less government intrusion...