To the editor:

The League of Women Voters of Kansas opposes the Kansas constitutional amendment that will be decided in the Aug. 2 primary election.

The intentionally confusing language of the amendment states: “Because Kansans value both women and children, the constitution of the state of Kansas does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure the right to abortion. To the extent permitted by the constitution of the United States, the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, laws that account for circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or circumstances of necessity to save the life of the mother.”

The amendment language implies that passage of the amendment will protect victims and women. It does not. Voting for this amendment will give away our rights guaranteed by the Kansas Constitution, as affirmed in 2019 by the Kansas Supreme Court. Voting for the amendment gives the Legislature the full power to regulate abortion. If the amendment passes, it will immediately trigger the Legislature to ban abortion and related health care. The Kansas Reflector recently reported there is already a bill drafted to do so.

Kansas already has highly restricted abortion care with no government funding

We voted “No” on the amendment and encourage all Kansas voters, including unaffiliated voters, to join us.

Carol Williamson and Lori Hutfles, co-presidents, League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County