On April 22, 2021, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed two bills that would have supported anti-abortion centers and restricted the authority of health officials. The bills, which were passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, were seen as part of a broader effort to limit access to abortion and undermine public health measures in the state.
The first bill, known as the Value Them Both Amendment, would have amended the state constitution to declare that it does not protect the right to abortion or require funding for abortion services. It would also have allowed the state to regulate abortion providers and require them to provide certain information to patients. Supporters of the bill argued that it was necessary to protect the rights of unborn children and ensure that taxpayer dollars were not used to fund abortions.
However, opponents of the bill argued that it would have had far-reaching consequences for women’s health and reproductive rights. They pointed out that it would have given the state broad authority to regulate abortion providers and potentially shut down clinics that provide essential health services to women. They also argued that it would have made it more difficult for women to access safe and legal abortion services, which could lead to an increase in unsafe abortions and maternal deaths.
The second bill, known as the Healthcare Freedom of Conscience Act, would have allowed healthcare providers to refuse to provide certain services or treatments based on their religious or moral beliefs. This could have included refusing to provide contraception, abortion services, or even emergency medical care in some cases. Supporters of the bill argued that it was necessary to protect the religious freedom of healthcare providers and ensure that they were not forced to violate their beliefs.
However, opponents of the bill argued that it would have undermined public health and put patients at risk. They pointed out that healthcare providers have a duty to provide care to all patients, regardless of their personal beliefs, and that allowing them to refuse certain services could lead to discrimination and harm. They also argued that it could make it more difficult for patients to access essential healthcare services, particularly in rural areas where there may be limited options for care.
Governor Kelly’s decision to veto both bills was praised by reproductive rights advocates and public health experts. They argued that the bills would have had serious consequences for women’s health and reproductive rights, as well as for the overall health of the state’s population. They also praised Governor Kelly for standing up for the rights of women and healthcare providers, and for recognizing the importance of evidence-based public health policies.
In a statement, Governor Kelly said that she vetoed the bills because they were “unconstitutional, unenforceable, and bad for Kansas.” She also called on lawmakers to focus on issues that would improve the lives of Kansans, such as expanding access to healthcare, creating jobs, and investing in education.
The debate over these bills is part of a larger national conversation about reproductive rights and public health. As states across the country continue to pass restrictive abortion laws and limit access to healthcare services, it is important for policymakers and advocates to speak out in defense of women’s rights and evidence-based public health policies. Governor Kelly’s veto sends a strong message that Kansas is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all its residents, regardless of their personal beliefs or political affiliations.
