Abortion-Rights Supporters Raise Concern Over Language in Kan. 'Conscience Protection' Bill
January 27, 2012 — Abortion-rights advocates say a so-called "conscience protection" bill introduced in the Kansas House could allow health care providers to restrict women's access to birth control, the AP/Columbus Republic reports.
The bill would expand a state law that allows health care providers to refuse to participate in abortion care. The legislation would apply the law's protections to medical personnel who refuse to prescribe or administer drugs they believe could end a pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood said the bill's broad language could apply to birth control. State Rep. Steve Brunk (R), who supports the bill, said it is narrowly written and would ensure that health providers would not lose their jobs if they refuse to provide care (AP/Columbus Republic, 1/25).
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Repro Health Watch — an exciting new edition of the Women’s Health Policy Report — compiles and distributes media coverage of proposed and enacted state laws and ballot initiatives affecting women's access to comprehensive reproductive health care, as well as litigation in response to those provisions.
