Abortion

Kansas Governor Signs Massive Omnibus Anti-Choice Bill Into Law

Life in Kansas officially legally begins at fertilization thanks to the governor's signature on a far-reaching anti-choice bill.

An AP investigation of sexual assault cases at U.S. military bases in Japan reveals erratic application of justice, and the senator suspects there's more to be found stateside. Stack of papers via Shutterstock

The massive anti-choice omnibus bill passed by the Kansas legislature this month has now been signed into law, according to the Associated Press.

HB 2253 will strip tax credits for those who want to write off medical expenses associated with abortions, continue the state’s ban on all abortions after 20 weeks, even in rape cases or cases of fetal anomalies, extend so-called “conscience protections” for those who say they are being forced to participate in actions that they “reasonably believe” might cause an abortion, provide patients with inaccurate medical information prior to terminating a pregnancy and even write into the constitution that “life” begins at the moment a sperm fertilizes and egg.

That’s exactly what Republican Governor Sam Brownback hoped to see. “All human life is sacred. It’s beautiful,” Brownback said at the bill signing ceremony. “With this, we continue to build this culture of life in our state.”

Brownback may see the bill as protecting the “sacred” and “beautiful,” but reproductive rights advocates recognize it as just another step in the legislative process to cut off access to full health care services. “This sweeping anti-abortion measure is part of a larger effort by politicians throughout the country to try to eliminate access to abortion, one law at a time, one state at a time,” said Jennifer Dalven, director of ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project in an email. “Make no mistake, this is yet another line of attack in the War on Women and should be a wake-up call to anyone who believes that our politicians should not interfere in private decision-making.”