The "Abolish Abortion Kansas Act" seeks to criminalize all abortions in the state of Kansas, making them subject to prosecution under "Alexa's law." The bill amends existing statutes, specifically K.S.A. 21-5206 and K.S.A. 21-5419, to remove exceptions that previously allowed for wrongful death claims in cases where an unborn child dies due to an abortion. It redefines terms such as "abortion" and "unborn child," asserting that an unborn child is a living individual from fertilization to birth. The act emphasizes the belief that all human life should be equally protected under the law, and it aims to eliminate provisions that could facilitate or support abortion.
Additionally, the bill repeals certain existing laws and establishes that the new amendments will only apply prospectively, starting from July 1, 2025. It also includes a provision that ensures due process protections for all individuals potentially subject to these laws. The act is framed within the context of constitutional rights, arguing that the current interpretation of the right to abortion contradicts the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Overall, the bill represents a significant shift in Kansas law regarding abortion and the legal status of unborn children.
Statutes affected: As introduced: 21-5206, 21-5419, 60-1901