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 20
Jerry Charlton (Republican)
As a practicing Catholic, I pray that one day abortion will be non-existent and that everyone will be fine with this. The question is – how do we get there? We get there by all sides talking about the issues – pregnancy is preventable and education should be the focus, along with knowing there are alternatives. As a male figure, I can be a role model for my step-son and 19 nephews.
When SCOTUS ruled on Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization, I was quite surprised that the majority of al news organizations were not aware that approximately 26 countries in Europe had abortion restriction at 12-16 weeks (for the better part of 4 decades). Kansas restricts abortion to 22 weeks – this is 6 -10 weeks high than the majority of European countries.
Mari-Lynn Poskin (Democratic, incumbent)
72% of voters in House District 20 voted NO on the August 22 constitutional amendment that, if enacted, would have stripped the right to abortion from our constitution. This would be a good time to remind ALL voters that every Republican in both chambers of the legislature voted NO to exceptions for the life of the mother. (See House and Senate votes on no exceptions.)
In the two years since voters enshrined reproductive rights in the Kansas Constitution, we’ve seen the devastating health implications for women across the country under near abortion bans- the trauma of bleeding out in parking lots and losing reproductive capabilities. Is this the vision that every member of the super majority had for Kansas women?
I support the basic restrictions currently in place on abortions after 22 weeks, with the current exceptions. I do not support any further restrictions or processes that are intended to stigmatize reproductive care or impede access. I do not support public tax dollars and tax credits for pregnancy crisis centers, which the American Medical Association Journal Ethics has declared “legal, but unethical.” This funding carries no accountability standards for taxpayer funds.
Voters were clear…they want the legislature to stay out of their personal medical decisions. I will respect and defend their position on reproductive rights in Kansas.
