TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly shot down a scientifically unsound “abortion reversal” bill, one of several pieces of legislation she rejected in a round of vetoes met with outrage from Republicans.
Kelly announced her veto of House Bill 2264 Wednesday. The bill would require doctors and medication abortion providers to tell their patients that it is possible to reverse an abortion after taking mifepristone.
Under the bill, physicians who refuse to talk to their patients about “abortion reversal” on more than one occasion could face up to a year of jail time. Health care facilities that prescribe or administer mifepristone would be fined $10,000 if they refuse to put up the mandatory notice.
Kelly referenced the Aug. 2, 2022, vote on a proposed abortion amendment, which Kansans overwhelmingly rejected, in her veto explanation.
“Kansans made clear that they believe personal health care decisions should be made between a woman and her doctor, not politicians in Topeka,” Kelly said. “This bill would interfere with that relationship and, given the uncertain science behind it, could be harmful to Kansans’ health.”
The “abortion reversal” claim is based on questionable research, and studies have shown the reversal attempt has significant health risks for women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposes the abortion reversal process, calling it scientifically unsound, unproven and unethical.
Republicans who support the legislation point to a debunked study by California physician George Delgado to support the claim that the pregnancy could be preserved if progesterone is taken within a certain time period after the abortion pill.
House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said he and other Republicans would attempt to override Kelly’s veto after the Legislature returns next week.
“House Republicans stand united to act during the veto session to ensure women in this incredibly vulnerable position are provided with all of the facts,” Hawkins said.
The bill passed 26-11 in the Senate and 80-38 in the House. To override Kelly’s vetoes, 84 votes are needed in the House and 27 are needed in the Senate.
Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said the bill was an attempt to force doctors to lie about abortion.
“This bill attempts to undermine Kansans’ right to bodily autonomy by willfully forcing blatant misinformation into a health care environment,” Sykes said. “We all want women to be empowered to make the best decision for herself and her family. Lying to women does not empower them; it endangers them.”
Mail-in ballots
Kelly also vetoed Senate Bill 209, legislation requiring advanced ballots to be returned to the local election office by 7 p.m. on election day.
Current law requires ballots to be postmarked by election day and received within three business days later.
