Abortion s status as a Kansas constitutional right to be on August 2022 ballot
After failing last year, it s final. Abortion will be on the August 2022 ballot.
The Kansas Legislature passed with two-thirds majorities a constitutional amendment that would overturn a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that abortion is a state constitutional right, as well as allowing the regulation of abortion.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has no power to veto this. But the Value Them Both amendment only becomes constitutional law if voters approve it.
Proponents have argued for putting this issue before voters, saying that the ruling has threatened already-passed, common-sense limitations on abortion, such as 24-hour waiting periods, parental consent or legislation preventing taxpayer money from being used for abortions.
Advocates for, against Kansas abortion amendment make their cases to lawmakers
In public hearings marked by technological glitches, passionate arguments and time constraints, the Value Them Both amendment was the main show Friday in the Kansas Statehouse.
About 20 members of the public, ranging from lobbyists to medical professionals to concerned citizens, argued in front of state legislators why they should vote for or against the amendment. We re concerned because we can see the writing on the wall, said Rachel Sweet, public policy director of Planned Parenthood Great Plains. Proponents have downplayed . concerns that this amendment would lead to a full ban on abortion.
Credit Planned Parenthood Great Plains
A federal judge has blocked four laws restricting access to abortion in Arkansas just hours after they took effect.
U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker on Tuesday granted the request from abortion rights groups, issuing a two-week restraining order against the laws. Baker had previously put a halt to the laws in 2017, though a federal appeals court later vacated that ruling.
In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas said clinics were forced to cancel appointments and only provide medication abortion while the laws were temporarily in effect.
“Today, we got a preview of what would happen if these laws took effect permanently. It caused uncertainty about whether Arkansans can have access to abortion care and forced patients to be turned away, which is absolutely unacceptable,” said Jenny Ma, senior staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights.