Kansas lawmakers near approval of ‘born alive’ abortion bill
Associated PressTOPEKA, Kan. — A Kansas proposal based on the claim that providers leave infants to die after they’re born during certain types of abortions is nearing legislative approval, as Republicans pursue limited anti-abortion measures following a decisive statewide vote last year protecting abortion rights. The Kansas House voted 88-34 on Wednesday to approve a bill declaring that when there’s a live birth during an abortion procedure, medical personnel must take the same steps to preserve the newborn’s life as “a reasonably diligent and conscientious” provider would with other live births. Supporters of the “born-alive infants protection” bill argued during a House debate Tuesday that the measure would survive a court challenge because it doesn’t limit abortion itself. Like the laws in the 18 other states, the Kansas measure would require the hospitalization of infants born during labor and delivery abortions and impose criminal penalties for doctors who don’t try to save them.