Kansas House Passes Bill Saying Life Begins at Fertilization

Kristen Anderson : Mar 22, 2013
LifeSiteNews.com

The new law, which the State Senate promised to act on quickly, states that human life begins "at fertilization" and that "unborn children have interests in life, health and well-being that should be protected."

(Topeka, KS)?The Kansas House of Representatives voted 92-to-31 on Wednesday, March 20, to strengthen protections for unborn babies, just one day after rejecting an amendment to the state's late-term abortion ban that would have allowed abortions after 22 weeks in cases of rape or incest.

The new law, which the State Senate promised to act on quickly, states that human life begins "at fertilization" and that "unborn children have interests in life, health and well-being that should be protected."

The bill, HB 2253, would ban abortionists from receiving tax breaks and would bar public schools from using sex education materials or teachers that are affiliated with abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

It also includes another provision meant to strengthen current laws preventing student doctors at state schools from using taxpayer-funded time or resources to perform abortions. Additionally, abortionists will now have to disclose additional warnings to patients seeking abortion, including the fact that the procedure has been linked to breast cancer.

On Tuesday, Rep. John Wilson (D-Lawrence) offered an amendment to the bill making an exception to the state's ban on abortions after 22 weeks, allowing them to be performed in cases of rape or incest. His amendment would have also allowed private insurance to pay for elective abortions in such cases, and exempted abortionists from the requirement that they notify parents in writing when a child seeks an abortion if the child claims to be a victim of rape or incest.

The House overwhelmingly rejected that amendment, with some lawmakers noting that state law allows abortion for any reason before 22 weeks.