Kansas’ top court supports the state’s right to abortion. This decision came two years after voters affirmed abortion rights in August 2022. Voters rejected a change to the state constitution that would remove the right to abortion.
The Republican Attorney General argued the 2022 vote didn’t affect the laws. However, Justice Evelyn Wilson said, “The people spoke with their votes.”
Neither of the laws struck down had been enforced due to lawsuits from abortion providers. Other lawsuits are challenging more restrictions.
These rulings impact not only Kansas but also other states where abortion is nearly banned. Kansas has seen many patients from states like Oklahoma and Texas. In 2023, about 20,000 abortions were performed in Kansas, a significant increase from 2020.
Before the August 2022 vote, abortion opponents argued that not changing the state constitution would end long-standing restrictions. Kansas had many new restrictions under GOP Gov. Sam Brownback from 2011 to 2018.