Legislators seeking to rewrite abortion law
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By JOHN HANNA
Associated Press
TOPEKA — Anti-abortion legislators in Kansas are pushing again to rewrite a state law regulating late-term procedures.
Several lawmakers said Tuesday that they're focusing on proposals to increase reporting requirements for abortions after the 21st week of pregnancy.
They want to compel doctors to disclose the exact medical diagnosis justifying a late-term abortion. Kansas law allows abortion of a viable fetus after the 21st week only to save the mother's life or prevent major and permanent damage to her health.
Three senators and three House members planned to meet Thursday to discuss drafting new legislation. They hope for quick up or down votes on their proposal in both chambers. Up or down votes allow for a bill to be amended.
Sen. Pat Apple, R-Louisburg, said backers of the new legislation are hoping to have enough support in both chambers to override a possible veto by Gov. Mark Parkinson.
Last year, the reporting requirements were included in a bill that would have allowed patients or their families to sue doctors over potentially illegal abortions.
The measure was vetoed in April 2009 by then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who questioned whether the bill was constitutional.
Parkinson spokesman Seth Bundy said the governor would closely review any legislation sent to him by lawmakers.
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