Kansas Legislature Passes Controversial Abortion Reporting Bill

The bill, requiring providers to report patients' reasons for abortions, faces a likely veto from Governor Laura Kelly amid widespread debate.

The Kansas state Legislature, controlled by Republicans, has passed a bill requiring abortion providers to ask patients the reason for their procedure and report the information to the state.
Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat and supporter of abortion rights, is expected to veto the bill, but it has enough support to potentially override her veto.
The bill's proponents argue it will provide lawmakers with better data to make decisions on abortion care, despite criticism that it poses an unnecessary hurdle for patients.
The measure is seen as a response to the 2022 statewide vote in Kansas affirming abortion rights, following the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision.
Critics, including Democrats and abortion rights advocates, argue the bill asks invasive questions and is intended to harass patients and providers.