
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has given first-round approval to a bill to ban a procedure used in 8 percent of the abortion in the state.
The measure that advanced on a voice vote Thursday after a bitter and personal debate would outlaw the dilation and evacuation procedure and redefine it in state law as “dismemberment abortion.”
Senators plan to take a final vote Friday to determine whether the bill goes to the House.
Kansas City Democrat and abortion rights supporter David Haley criticized the measure’s supporters. He suggested that abortion opponents were ignoring good science and the state would face an expensive court battle if the measure becomes law.
Several senators who oppose abortion said Haley’s remarks were insulting and castigated him. They said the bill bans a gruesome procedure.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A bill to ban a procedure used in 8 percent of the abortions in Kansas is up for debate in the state Senate.
The measure on the Senate’s calendar Thursday afternoon would outlaw the dilation and evacuation procedure and redefine it in state law as “dismemberment abortion.”
Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce says he expects senators to take a final vote on the bill Friday morning. Passage would send the measure to the House.
Kansas already bans most abortions at the 22nd week of pregnancy, but the bill could prohibit some earlier abortions. Some abortion rights advocates say it could bar some first-trimester procedures.
The bill would prohibit using clamps, forceps or other similar instruments on a fetus so it can be removed from the womb in pieces.