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Kansas just became the first state in America to give its citizens a say on whether or not they want abortion rights through popular voting.
With the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a heated debate has broken out in America over whether or not it is legal for women to have access to safe legal termination of pregnancy. The issue has divided the country to two main camps.
Kansas’ decision is the first initiative that gives its citizens a voice in whether they want the legal implications of Roe v. Wade be overturned or sustained. The voting will also give authorities an idea as to what is the ruling popular sentiment leans on to.
The midterm elections are just around the corner and taking advantage of the result of the vote could help Democrats win some seats in Congress.
The people of Kansas will soon be asked if they want to change their state constitution and make abortion illegal, despite differences in political affiliation. Currently, abortion is legal in Kansas up to 22 weeks after conception. Pregnant women from Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri travel to Kansas to access abortion clinics despite the Republicans speaking out heavily against the measures.
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Kansans are told: “Because Kansans value both women and children, the constitution of the state of Kansas does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion. To the extent permitted by the constitution of the United States, the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, laws that account for circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or circumstances of necessity to save the life of the mother.”
What it means for a “Yes” majority
If the many voters decide to vote “Yes” to the question, it would mean that they want the state constitution to be amended and it “does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion.”
Strict laws relating to the banning of abortion would then be enforced. And since the vote in support of such legislation is voted by the majority, challenging the laws would be difficult for cause-oriented organizations.
“The amendment that is on the ballot will mandate government control over our private medical decisions and ultimately pave the way for a total ban on abortion,” Ashley All said, one of the members of the Kansans for Constitutional Freedom, a coalition in support of Roe v. Wade.
What a “No” vote win means
If the “No” vote becomes triumphant, abortion within Kansas will remain legal up until 22 weeks. However, even with this win, there could still be tighter restrictions and laws passed by legislation. Only this time, it would be difficult for state lawmakers to lobby it since the majority would have chosen to disagree with the SC’s decision.
Currently, laws in Kansas still acknowledge the legality of abortion. Last 2015, there was a motion to ban abortion in the state but it was junked by the courts.
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Three years ago, another issue was raised questioning the legality of abortion. To this, the Kansas state Supreme Court mentioned Section 1 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution which provides that, “All men are possessed of equal and inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Opposition Coalitions
With the recent decision from the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, many coalitions have amplified their voices in condemnation of abortion. Organizations like Value Them Both, led by Kansans for Life, the Kansas Catholic Conference, and Kansans Family have all come out in support for their cause.
“Kansans want to ensure that moms and babies are protected. So, Kansans are very concerned about this push to make us an unlimited destination for abortion,” Brittany Jones, a lawyer, said.
Source: CNN
Opinions expressed by CEO Weekly contributors are their own.
