The Kansas Senate has given first-round approval to legislation that would bar a specific type of abortion procedure, known as dilation and extraction abortion. The bill calls it “dismemberment abortion.”
Several Republicans focused on the procedure itself, describing it as gruesome.
“And there is no basis upon which anybody can attempt to defend it, and yet some do. I would hope that this body would set, yet again, an example for the nation,” said Republican Sen. Steve Fitzgerald.
Democratic Sen. Marci Francisco says with all the talk of valuing life, they need to also think about the mother’s life. Francisco says the procedure may be the safest option in some cases.
“As part of that value, we want to provide the best medical care that we can and the safest medical care that we can,” says Francisco.
The Senate is expected to take a final vote on the bill Friday, which will then send it to the Kansas House for consideration.
