Aiexpress – Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins took the stage together on January 24, 2024, at the annual anti-abortion rally.
Kansas City, Kansas, Archbishop Joseph Naumann expressed his belief that with the overturning of federal abortion protections, state legislatures have a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change. He made these remarks during an anti-abortion mass at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.
Naumann encouraged the young individuals in attendance to actively engage in voting and actively advocate against abortion within their circles. He emphasized the importance of having conversations with their peers to raise awareness about the issue. Naumann also expressed his concerns about President Joe Biden, who identifies as a practicing Catholic but has shown support for abortion rights and protections.
After attending mass, Catholic Kansans joined forces with other anti-abortion organizations and proceeded to the Statehouse. They proudly waved signs as they participated in the annual Kansas March and Rally for Life.
Kansas City, Kansas Archbishop Joseph Naumann made an appearance at the Kansas March & Rally for Life on Wednesday, showcasing his support for the cause.
Multiple Republican state legislators have echoed Naumann’s message of state-level change at the steps of the Statehouse. They are determined to pass more anti-abortion bills during this legislative session.
House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita, stated that there will be an increase in their efforts this year. He emphasized that more overrides will be necessary to achieve their goals.
Jeanne Gawdun, a representative of Kansans for Life, expressed gratitude for the significant number of anti-abortion lawmakers in the state during the rally.
“We are facing a crucial election,” Gawdun emphasized. “At present, we are fortunate to have a significant number of legislators who are staunch supporters of the pro-life movement in both chambers. This is particularly important as we anticipate another two years under the leadership of Gov. Kelly, the most pro-abortion governor in the history of our state. Given the likelihood of more vetoes on our proposed legislation, it is imperative that everyone actively participates in the upcoming campaigns to support these pro-life legislators. Through their re-election, they can continue their dedicated work in safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and babies.”
Kansas Stands Firm in Protecting Abortion Rights Despite Roe v. Wade Reversal
Kansas, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, has emerged as one of the remaining states in the region that continues to safeguard the right to abortion. The state has enacted laws that permit abortions up to 22 weeks after gestation, as well as in situations where the life of the mother is at risk.
In 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state constitution recognizes the right to bodily autonomy, including the right to make decisions regarding the termination of a pregnancy.
In August 2022, voters decisively rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that aimed to grant lawmakers the authority to ban abortion without any exceptions.
Anti-abortion Kansans proudly display their signs during the annual March for Life on January 24, 2024.
In spite of the continuous statewide backing for abortion rights, Republican legislators persistently propose anti-abortion measures. In the 2023 legislative session, the Republican supermajority successfully overturned Kelly’s veto on two bills – the “Born-Alive” bill and an “abortion reversal” bill – resulting in their enactment into law.
The “reversal” law, which mandates that abortion providers inform patients about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion, has been criticized for relying on flawed scientific evidence and posing risks such as hemorrhaging. However, a Kansas judge has currently blocked this requirement, along with several other abortion restrictions.
The “Born Alive” law prohibits doctors from ending the lives of infants who survive abortions, even though there is no evidence to support such occurrences. Medical professionals have labeled this legislation as a scare tactic aimed at discouraging abortion.
In Kansas, the Born Alive Infants Protection Act was put into effect on July 1 after the Legislature successfully overrode Kelly’s veto with a two-thirds majority.
Hawkins expressed his delight in the veto override, describing it as a truly glorious moment.
Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, expressed his dismay over the Kansas Supreme Court decision, which he referred to as a “tragedy.” He emphasized that this ruling has resulted in heightened legal scrutiny of abortion-related measures. Masterson was taken aback by Governor Kelly’s decision to veto the legislation and her description of the bill as “misleading and unnecessary.”
They stated their readiness to override Kelly’s vetoes during this legislative session.
The Kansas GOP lawmakers vowed to bring more anti-abortion measures at their annual rally, as reported by the Kansas Reflector.
