Though it is not as restrictive as the Arkansas laws on abortion, a new set of rules to limit abortion is advancing through the Kansas Legislature. The bill, HB 2253 was cleared by a committee Thursday, March 7, 2013.
Abortion activists say it is perhaps more sneaky than the Arkansas bill and they think it may lead to even more limitations. Supporters of the bill say they would like to pass something as strict as the Arkansas bill, but are not sure it will stand up in court.
The bill would not allow any relationship between schools and abortion providers, meaning abortion providers cannot provide sex education materials, or any materials, to schools. That does not limit sex education itself.
It would also block government subsidies such as eliminating a tax deduction for medical expenses associated with an abortion.residents at the state medical school from performing abortions on state time.
It declares life begins at fertilization and says unborn children have rights to life.
Abortion supporters says the measure stigmatizes anyone related to abortion providers and limits free speech.
Supporters of the bill say it is meant to be comprehensive, and they want to make sure the state is not involved in what they call killing children.
As for keeping information from abortion supporters out of the schools, Rep. Allan Rothlisberg said.
"I don't want them involved in any way, shape or form or manner in killing children, killing babies. We should have people of integrity and morality teaching our children."
Originally the bill prohibited anyone who worked at an abortion clinic from volunteering in any way at a school. That language was changed after it was pointed out a person could not even volunteer to help with any project at a school.
The State Senate has also passed a measure outlawing abortions if the only reason is sex selection of the baby.
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