Dubious distinction / LJWorld.com

Archive for Monday, April 2, 2001

J-W Editorials

April 2, 2001

The number of out-of-state residents obtaining abortions in Kansas may be disturbing to some state residents.

Regardless of a person's position on the question of abortion or late-term abortion, one has to wonder whether Kansans are pleased to have their state recognized as one of the abortion capitals of the nation.

Statistics released last week said 12,323 abortions were performed in Kansas last year with 6,352 of the women being from Kansas and the remaining 5,971 from out of state.

Dr. George Tiller of Wichita apparently is one of the few doctors in the nation who performs late-term abortions, and his presence is the reason many women come to Kansas for their abortions.

Some think it is great to have Dr. Tiller in Kansas, while others think it is a matter of shame.

Lawrence's Sen. Sandy Praeger is one of those who supports the presence in Kansas of Dr. Tiller, who was shot in August 1993 as he drove away from his clinic. She stated, "Because of Dr. Tiller in Wichita, we do find people come from out of state. We have a doctor who is willing to risk his life. It's hard to find providers who provide late-term abortions and stick their necks out."

One has to wonder how many Kansans agree with Praeger and believe it is acceptable to have a "provider" such as Dr. Tiller.

An interesting aspect of the recent Associated Press story about abortions in Kansas is that according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 37.3 percent of the abortions in Kansas were performed on women who had undergone a previous abortion.

It's obvious many in Kansas, perhaps a majority of Kansans, oppose abortion, particularly late-term abortion. However, unless and until the Supreme Court rules otherwise, abortions are legal and Kansas will continue to be tarnished as being one of the nation's leading states for this practice.

In the meantime, every effort should be made to do a better job in educating young people about their sexual activities, stressing moral behavior and getting information to a larger number of women on how to avoid unwanted pregnancies.