Abortion foes scored a third major win Wednesday when a bill to regulate abortion clinics cleared the Kansas Legislature. The Senate voted 24-15 to approve a bill requiring the state’s three abortion clinics to be inspected twice a year, including one unannounced review.
The bill goes to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, a staunch abortion opponent who’s expected to sign the measure. The governor has already signed two other abortion bills, including one that further restricts abortions after 21 weeks of pregnancy.
The bill that passed Wednesday was largely the same as two others that the Kansas Legislature passed in 2003 and 2005, but were vetoed by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
Supporters of the bill contended that it was as much about protecting women from dangerous doctors as it was about abortion. They said the bill should appeal to lawmakers who want to protect women regardless of their views about abortion.
“Inspection of abortion facilities will protect the life and health of women much like the legislation this body passed last year regarding inspection of child care homes,” said Sen. Julia Lynn, of Olathe.
“I am shocked and dismayed that men — and women — of this chamber would show blatant discrimination against women at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives - having an abortion,” said Lynn, a Republican.
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