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 23
Stacey Knoell (Democratic)
To the point: Yes. I am satisfied with the current laws and restrictions and do not support new restrictions or violations of privacy regarding such personal matters.
I have been saying this to anyone who would listen since 2021 when we knew there would be a push to change the state constitution. This is about bodily autonomy and personal integrity. This is about does a woman have the agency to make decisions about her own body and healthcare?
When I found myself sitting in Dr. Hodes’s office, yes, that Dr. Hodes, and there were discussions about the course of treatment required, when all was said and done, I signed that paperwork. I had the bodily autonomy and personal integrity, and ultimately it was my decision what happened to my body. Moreover, the details of my story, in a very real way, are no one’s business but my own or who I chose to share them with.
I am running to be a state legislator. I am not running to be anyone’s doctor, pastor, rabbi, or parenting partner. When we are talking about a woman’s right in Dodge City or Emporia to make decisions about her own body and healthcare, I don’t think it is any of my business as a state senator in Topeka, what that decision is.
Further, the vote in August 2022 on the “Value Them Both” amendment showed that this stance matches the overwhelming majority of Kansans. The legislature would be unwise to ignore the will of the people to that extent.
Adam Thomas (Republican)
The people spoke in 2022. I have not proposed any bans on abortion, nor voted on any. The “making abortion a crime” statement often used this election cycle is based off a bill that says if you force a woman to have an abortion through financial or physical threat that should be a crime. Anything else put out is simply false.
In Kansas, due to Value them Both not passing, and the Hodes case (which was a case based on partial birth abortion), we have access to abortion in Kansas up until the moment of birth. I would love to hear what expanded access looks like if partial birth is not far enough.
