Topeka ? The slaying of a pregnant girl in Wichita prompted calls Monday for a law that would allow prosecution for the death of an unborn fetus.

In renewing its effort, the state’s largest anti-abortion group, Kansans for Life, also blamed Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and state Senate leaders for failure to pass such a law during the last legislative session.

“The governor and GOP Senate leadership kowtowed to the abortion industry and other lobbyists for so-called ‘women’s interests,'” a statement from Kansans for Life said.

Sebelius’ office responded that the killing earlier this month of 14-year-old Chelsea Brooks, who was nine months pregnant, was a tragic situation.

“Gov. Sebelius has the utmost sympathy for the family and friends of Chelsea Brooks,” Sebelius spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran said.

As for the legislation promoted by Kansans for Life, Corcoran said Sebelius would be happy to consider it but added “she never had the opportunity to review this particular bill as it did not pass both houses of the Legislature.”

The House approved House Bill 2300 in 2005.

The bill would have allowed anyone who killed a pregnant woman to also be charged in the death of the fetus.

It has been opposed by abortion-rights groups because they say giving a fetus equal status as a person in the criminal code may set the stage for restricting abortions.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence also testified against it, saying the measure did nothing to address violence against women.

Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the Senate didn’t act on the bill because it got caught up in the crush of late legislation.

“It may have come over too late,” Vratil said.

It was referred to the committee less than a week before the end of the regular session, and it wasn’t considered when lawmakers returned for the wrap-up session that lasted from April 26 to May 10.

The wrap-up session was dominated by legislation dealing with school finance, sex predators, eminent domain and business tax cuts.

Vratil said he didn’t know whether he supported such a measure.

“We haven’t had a hearing on it,” he said.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence also testified against it, saying the measure did nothing to address violence against women.

Concerning the death of Chelsea Brooks, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

One of them is 19-year-old Elgin Robinson, who friends said once had a relationship with Chelsea.