Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB286

Introduced
3/2/23  
Refer
3/3/23  

Caption

Prohibiting abortion procedures except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman and providing a private cause of action for civil enforcement of such prohibition.

Impact

The implications of SB 286 extend beyond the direct prohibition of abortion; it would also affect existing statutes by repealing previous laws related to abortion while establishing a private cause of action for individuals to enforce the prohibitions defined within the bill. This civil enforcement mechanism allows private citizens to initiate lawsuits against individuals and entities failing to comply with the regulations, which may lead to an increase in civil litigation surrounding abortion services and reproductive healthcare.

Summary

Senate Bill 286 aims to prohibit abortion procedures in Kansas, allowing exceptions only when necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency. The bill establishes clear definitions for what constitutes an unlawful abortion and describes scenarios where performing one would not violate this law, notably in situations where unintentional harm occurs during medical treatment. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and provision of abortifacient drugs within the state, creating stringent regulations around abortion and related healthcare procedures.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups, as it represents a shift towards stricter regulations on reproductive rights in Kansas. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect potential life and uphold moral standards, while opponents criticize it as an infringement on personal freedoms and healthcare access. The private enforcement mechanism is also contentious, as it introduces the possibility of litigation against healthcare providers and individuals, which some view as punitive and overreaching.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

KS HB2492

Prohibiting abortion procedures except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman and providing a private cause of action for civil enforcement of such prohibition.

KS SB198

Prohibiting abortion procedures except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman and providing a private cause of action for civil enforcement of violations of such prohibition.

KS HB2009

Prohibiting abortion procedures except when necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman and providing a private cause of action for civil enforcement of such prohibition.

KS HB2010

Prohibiting abortion procedures and creating the crimes of unlawful performance of an abortion and unlawful destruction of a fertilized embryo.

KS HB2465

Enacting the adoption savings account act allowing individuals to establish adoption savings accounts with certain financial institutions, providing eligible expenses, requirements and restrictions for such accounts and establishing addition and subtraction modifications for contributions to such accounts under the Kansas income tax act, increasing the income tax credit amount for adoption expenses, establishing an income, privilege and premium tax credit for contributions to eligible charitable organizations operating pregnancy centers or residential maternity facilities and providing for a sales tax exemption for purchases by pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.

KS SB175

Prohibiting abortion procedures and creating the crimes of unlawful performance of an abortion and unlawful destruction of a fertilized embryo.

KS HB2181

Prohibiting abortion procedures and creating the crimes of unlawful performance of an abortion and unlawful destruction of a fertilized embryo.

KS HB2764

Establishing a tax credit for contributions to eligible charitable organizations operating pregnancy centers or residential maternity facilities and establishing a child tax credit, increasing the tax credit amount for adoption expenses and making the credit refundable and providing a sales tax exemption for pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.