August 3, 2022 -- Yesterday a majority of Kansas electors rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have said there was no Kansas constitutional right to abortion.
The amendment was an attempt to override law that states Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights, protects all Kansans’ natural right of personal autonomy, including the right to control one’s own body, to assert bodily integrity, and to exercise self-determination. The law further states that this right includes allowing a woman to make her own decisions regarding her body, health, family formation, and family life, which could include decisions about whether to continue a pregnancy.
The failure of the amendment has no immediate impact on the ability of any person to obtain an abortion or other reproductive health care in Kansas. The abortion restrictions existing prior to the attempted passage of the amendment remain in place. In addition, the state legislature retains the ability to pass legislation regulating abortions, and that legislation will continue to be subject to section 1 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights.
The Kansas Women Attorneys Association believes that women should be involved at all levels of government. We urge all Kansans to contact their legislators to express their preferences on legislation related to abortion and reproductive healthcare.
KWAA members with judicial and other governmental positions did not participate in the issuance of this statement.