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 18
Cindy Neighbor (Democratic, incumbent)
Yes, I am comfortable with the current policy on abortion. I believe access to abortion due to rape, incest, or life and health of the mother should stay in place. Legislators that brought this amendment to the floor claim they are for more privacy and smaller government. But, they demand more government when it comes to our bedrooms and our doctors’ office. I do not believe we need further restrictions on abortion as they currently stand.
As it is now, a fetus which appears normal, may only be aborted no later than 21 weeks (about 5 months) and 6 days unless complication exist which puts the mother’s or fetus’s life in danger. To have an abortion is a very difficult decision not taken lightly by women who choose it. According to the 2021 Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Abortions in Kansas report (page 4), no partial birth abortions have been reported in Kansas since 2019.
There are many false myths running around about increasing insurance rates, tax dollars paying for abortions, and abortions cause breast cancer which have been proven false. It is time we educate ourselves on the scare tactics that are used and allow these decisions to be made by the doctors and patients that are making this very tough decision
Robert Whitman (Republican)
Abortion appears to be a settled issue for the time being. Kansas appears to me to have adequate pro-life laws that, when they are enacted or enforced, generate lawsuits to stop them.
The courts have tended lately to stop pro-life laws from being enforced when enacted. Until the hearts and minds of people change on this issue, we live in a world, and a state, in which abortion is permitted with few practical restrictions. To me, that is very discouraging.
I am pro-life and believe that abortion should not take place, except to save the life of the mother. I will consider supporting whatever pro-life makes it to the House floor. Not all proposed legislation makes it to the floor for a vote.
Abortions can be accessed in Kansas as easily as in California or New York. I do not see access as a problem, nor the need to increase access by law.
Steve Hohe (Libertarian)
Kansas voters have spoken by rejecting the “Value Them Both” amendment. My position has no sway “for” or “against” abortion.
In the future, if there is a Change of Heart, to re-examine the legalities of abortion in Kansas, then it must be by Petition from the Kansas Citizens to have it be placed on ballot in any future Primary. Right now, we are in uncharted waters!
The clarification of the Wording, on the types of abortion must be exact, such as Necessary and Elective Abortions.
Under no circumstances should State dollars be funding Elective Abortion, this contradicts using taxpayer’s money who do not agree with abortion.
In regards to Necessary Abortion, where the life of the mother is at stake, and time is of the essences, plus the decision of the physician and his/her Hippocratic Oath. Both parties, the Patient and the Doctor, must be coherent and truthful.
There must be a Law that Kansas is not a destination location for Elective Abortions for other states to come here to have an abortion.
Note: since the Federal Supreme Court threw-out Roe v Wade, there needs to be an overhaul or update of Kansas Statute Article 67 -Abortion.
