(TOPEKA, Kan.) — The topic of abortion comes up during every legislative session. This year, Kansas lawmakers are considering what some say is the most sweeping anti-abortion bill in the country.
House Bill 2598 would, among other things:
- Exempt doctors from malpractice suits for withholding information to prevent an abortion
- Eliminate tax credits for abortion providers
- Eliminate tax deductions for the purchase of abortion-related health insurance
- Require women be told about scientifically questionable link between abortion and breast cancer
- Require women to hear the fetal heartbeat before a procedure
The bill frees a doctor from a malpractice lawsuit if the woman claims the physician withheld information about birth defects in order to prevent an abortion. Also, a woman cannot sue for pregnancy-related health problems that result from medical information being withheld.
Another provision in the 69-page bill bans state employees from performing abortions. This would impact residents at the University of Kansas Medical Center, as they are the only state employees who perform abortions.
