TOPEKA – State Representative Lance Kinzer (R-Olathe) brought before the House of Representatives today an amendment on House Substitute for Senate Bill 357 to strengthen the enforcement of late-term abortion laws in Kansas. The legislation includes a provision that allows policy makers to know the exact diagnosis of women who need the procedure.
“I brought this legislation forward after becoming concerned the legislature was not getting sufficient information to understand the real cause of late-term abortions in Kansas ,” Rep. Kinzer said. “It is my hope that with clearer reporting, the legislature will be able to implement public policy to address those causes and reduce the need of late-term abortions.”
Rep. Kinzer’s amendment also directs the Kansas Board of Healing Arts to affirm the referring physician required by state law for late-term abortions is not legally or financially affiliated with the physician performing the abortion.
“Currently it is difficult to determine whether our existing laws are being followed because of the lack of information available to the legislature. We need to make sure all our laws are being adhered to,” said Kinzer.
Kinzer said protecting children from sex abuse is also an important priority.
“My amendment makes sure evidence of abuse is being reported by state agencies to local and state law enforcement,” explained Kinzer.
House Members voted 77 to 47 in support of Rep. Kinzer’s amendment to House Substitute for SB 357.
“I appreciate Rep. Kinzer for bringing this legislation forward. This is a very strong step in making sure that late-term abortions are rare and adhere to Kansas law and that our children are protected from sexual abuse,” House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said.
Rep. Kinzer’s amendment prohibits the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Board of Healing Arts, and Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services from spending any state revenue until the Director of the Budget has ascertained each agency is implementing the provision that applies to their respective agency.
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