Julie Burkhart: Abortion amendment would pit the state of Kansas against women

Kansas politicians are fast-tracking two bills, House Concurrent Resolution 5019 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 1613, which would severely alter women’s ability to get safe and legal reproductive health care. These bills would put politicians squarely between women and their private health care decision-making. These proposals are flawed and dangerous, and do nothing to advance the well-being of women, even if they have been the victims of rape or incest. We need to keep politicians out of these personal, private medical decisions.

This is the same kind of thinking that was prevalent at the recent introduction of medication abortion “reversal” bills. Even though there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of so-called medication abortion “reversal,” politicians put their own ideology before the safety and health of women.

Researchers from the University of California Davis attempted to test this theory of medication abortion reversal. However, they had to discontinue the study after three of the 12 women required ambulance transport to a hospital for treatment of severe vaginal bleeding. The study was unable to show what, if any, effectiveness progesterone has in reversing a medication abortion. The study was subsequently halted. This is a prime example of how the will of politicians is adversely affecting the women they purport to protect.

Across the state of Kansas, Trust Women has canvassed door-to-door, talking with constituents about reproductive health care. What we hear, over and over again, are the abortion stories women tell us on their doorsteps. Each woman’s story is unique and each decision made, thoughtful and well-considered. A striking fact about abortion in Kansas is that 70% of our patients are already moms. Moms who only want what is best for their children.

Even though we all have different beliefs about abortion, one thing that we can agree on is that women must be able to maintain the power to decide their own health care. Kansans have an independent spirit. So, it is important to us that our fellow citizens and neighbors live their lives as they see fit — making critical decisions that are best for them without interference from politicians. This spirit extends to women in Kansas who are trying to make the best possible decision on each and every pregnancy.

This amendment would pit the state of Kansas against its women. How can this proposal to amend the constitution be helpful to citizens when it clearly seeks to deny women the right to make their own decisions about their health care? This amendment would take rights away from women.

I urge citizens of Kansans to call their legislators and ask them to vote no on this resolution. Voting no will show support for women’s health and safety. Information for legislators can be found on the Kansas legislative website or by calling the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-432-3924.

The fact is that even if politicians interfere with women’s health care, it will not erase abortion from the fabric of society. Personally, I know that I would rather help create a society where women and families are healthier and safe, instead of allowing politicians to intrude into decisions about childbearing, our families and medical decision-making.