The Kansas Legislature is seeking to require doctors to question patients who are looking to get an abortion as to why they are trying to get the procedure, as well as to report the answers to the state.
The measure is moving through the Republican-controlled Legislature as frustrated Democrats are suggesting a similar rule for vasectomies and erectile dysfunction. The state House had planned to take a final vote on the measure on Thursday.
Questioning Abortion Patients
The bill would mandate providers to ask their patients 11 questions regarding their reasons for getting an abortion. These include reasons such as not affording another child, that raising a child would hinder their education or careers, or a spouse or partner wanting her to terminate her pregnancy.
During a House debate on Wednesday, supporters of the bill argued that the state needs data so that lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns. However, opponents of the measure saw it as an attempt to harass abortion providers, shame patients, and stigmatize abortion, as per KNWA Fox24.
The House's approval of the measure would send it to the Senate, and both chambers have large anti-abortion majorities. Last year, Republicans overrode vetoes of other restrictions on providers that were made by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who is a staunch supporter of women's abortion rights.
Democrats have become frustrated as Republicans and various anti-abortion groups have pursued new rules for abortion providers and aid to anti-abortion counseling centers. The situation comes despite a decisive statewide vote that residents made in August 2022 to protect abortion rights under the state constitution.
Read Also : Alabama Legislature Passes Finalized IVF Protection Bill Following State Supreme Court Decision
In a statement, Kelly said that she does not understand it because she believes that Kansas residents made it very clear that they want people to "operate in this arena." She questioned why an elected official who is seeking re-election in the November general election would go against the wishes of their constituents.
Democratic lawmakers have attacked what they saw as the unfairness of requiring women to face detailed questions regarding their reasoning for getting an abortion when men would otherwise not receive the same treatment, according to ABC News.
Legal Challenge for Abortion Rights
Kansas City-area Democratic Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton called erectile dysfunction a "scourge" that lowered the state's birth rate. She also suggested the requirement of doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat it because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment.
Clayton argued that if the state Legislature would subject one particular group to humiliating questions when they are trying to get legal healthcare, then all groups should be given the same treatment. Instead, she gave the option of voting against the new bill.
On the other hand, GOP House members argued that biannual reports on abortion would assist the Legislature in making decisions to serve the interests of pregnant women. Wichita Rep. Brenda Landwehr said that the bill will not be taken lightly. She added that they simply want to have more information regarding the matter.
The August 2022 vote by Kansas residents rejected a proposed amendment to the state's constitution that would have nullified a decision of the local Supreme Court. That decision was to declare the state's Bill of Rights that contained a fundamental right to bodily autonomy that extended to termination of a pregnancy, said KansasReflector.
Related Article: San Francisco Passes Measure Forcing Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients
