Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Kansas voters in 2022 rejected the “Value Them Both” amendment that, if enacted, would have declared that the state constitution does not include a right to abortion. In the two legislative sessions since, lawmakers have tried to pass new restrictions on abortion, some of which have been blocked by judicial rulings. Are you satisfied with the current laws and restrictions on abortion in Kansas? Do you think access should be expanded in any way? Do you support new restrictions on abortion? And if so, what kind?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 14
Dennis Miller (Democratic, incumbent)
The rejection of the “Value Them Both” amendment in 2022 was clear. We know that Kansans respect a woman’s right to choose her reproductive health care. It is just too complicated for us to presume as a legislature to regulate it. We have been reminded that childbirth is a life-threatening event. We want physicians who are highly trained in this specialty to be available to the women of Kansas. I would not favor any new restrictions on women’s medical care simply because we cannot afford to discourage doctors and nurses from practicing here. We want a healthy Kansas.
I believe the voters of 2022 came to consider the complexities of the abortion issue. When called upon to take a stand on the amendment, they began to hear from their own family members, neighbor women, and others in the community. Women were compelled to speak up about their varied and complex experiences. Some had suffered miscarriages or a cancer that complicated their pregnancy. Their doctors were often hesitant that the very medications they used would be confused with abortion. Even with the result of the 2022 vote as a backdrop for the 2023 and 2024 sessions, I was called upon over 20 times to vote no on bills that would have further restricted women’s access to reproductive care. I voted no because I believe women have a right to make the best decision for themselves and their family.
Charlotte Esau (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
