Kansas Wants to Make Docs Ask Abortion Seekers Why

Kansas would require abortion providers to ask patients why they're terminating their pregnancies and report the answers to the state under a measure moving through the Republican-controlled Legislature. Backers of the bill argued during a House debate Wednesday that the state needs data so lawmakers can create programs to address their concerns. Opponents see an attempt to harass abortion providers, shame patients, and stigmatize abortion. The state House planned a final vote Thursday, reports the AP. A look at the brouhaha:

• The bill: It would require providers to ask patients 11 questions about their reasons for terminating a pregnancy. Among the possible answers: They can't afford another child, raising a child would hinder their education or careers, and a spouse or partner wanted her to have an abortion. At least seven states require similar reporting.

• Currently: In Kansas, a doctor who provides an abortion already must report the patient's age and ethnicity, whether the person was married, and the method used to terminate a pregnancy. The state allows abortions for almost any reason until the 22nd week of pregnancy, and that wouldn't change under the bill.
• The likelihood of it passing: Both state chambers have large anti-abortion majorities, and last year Republicans overrode vetoes of other restrictions on providers by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
• Background: Democrats are frustrated because Republicans and anti-abortion groups have pursued new rules for abortion providers despite a decisive statewide vote in August 2022 to protect abortion rights under the state constitution. "Why would an elected official who's facing an election in November go against the wishes of their constituents?" asked Kelly.
• Democrats say: Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton called erectile dysfunction "a scourge" that lowered the state's birth rate. She suggested requiring doctors to ask male patients whether they wanted to treat it because a spouse wanted that or because it caused the man stress or embarrassment. "If we are going to subject one group to humiliating questions when they get legal health care, then all groups should be subjected to humiliating questions when they get legal health care," she said. "Or we can vote against this bill."
• Republicans say: "This is about abortion reporting. It has nothing to do with the male body parts," said House health committee Chair Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican. "This bill has nothing to do with eliminating abortion in Kansas, doesn't ban it, doesn't touch on that whatsoever. I've respected that vote."

(More Kansas stories.)