Proposed Kansas constitutional amendment allows abortion bans, values women less

The Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Guy McCormick’s career included college teaching, consulting and 30 years with the City of Wichita’s Human Resources Department.

While the title of the proposed “Value Them Both” amendment to the Kansas Constitution is brilliant marketing, it is also hypocrisy.

Abortion is an important moral and social issue, but the last time the U.S. Constitution was amended for such an issue (Prohibition) it was a dismal failure, and in fact caused more damage to the country than benefit. This kind of provision is not appropriate for a constitution. 

However, there are other substantial objections to this amendment. First, let’s look at the actual text:

“22. Regulation of abortion. 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 a 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 Kansas Legislature is predominantly male, conservative Republicans. This would be workable if the members actually espoused traditional Republican principles.

But how are “family values” demonstrated by a Republican-led legislature interfering with the decision how many children a family should have, regardless of its economic circumstances; that a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest must be completed; that a woman must carry to term a fetus that has no prospect of life; or that a pregnancy endangering a woman’s life or long-term health is acceptable.

Keep in mind that this amendment offers no guarantee of any exceptions to an abortion ban. The wording in the amendment says that the Legislature may create exceptions. Many legislators have indicated that this is the first step toward eliminating all rights to abortions in Kansas.

How is this amendment consistent with “limited government?” Supporters of the amendment apparently believe that government should be limited except for interventions that favor their worldview or religious beliefs. A legislature making medical decisions for women does not feel like “limited government.” Such decisions, whatever the situation, should be made by the woman involved and whomever she chooses to include. 

How does this amendment “value” women? By taking away their ability to make fundamental decisions about their own lives? By forcing them to seek such care from illegal and unsafe sources, or subjecting themselves to self-treatments that are even more dangerous?

Amendment supporters know that making abortion illegal will not make it go away. They know that women will be injured and die as a result of this amendment. They just don’t care.

“Value them Both?” Seriously? This amendment actually values women less.

Historians have told my wife and me that through their interviews with previous generations, Kansas cemeteries have many graves of women who died from botched or self-inflicted abortions. They took desperate steps when they saw no other course.

One of those women was my wife’s grandmother, who died 106 years ago. I do not believe we should judge these actions. We should ensure that these tragedies never happen again. Will we once again see hospitals and morgues filled with women who saw no option other than an illegal abortion? Do we really want that?

In addition to an amendment that does not guarantee any exemptions, the propaganda from amendment supporters is spreading lies. The amendment supposedly is needed to prevent allowing abortions up to the moment of birth; allowing taxpayer-funded abortions; allowing partial birth procedures; or allowing health clinics to ignore health and safety standards. 

However, none of these practices is allowed under current state law. The propaganda is designed to grab people who don’t bother to read the actual amendment, and to make them believe that these practices are currently allowed.

 It is important to reduce the number of abortions to as few as possible. No one is really “pro- abortion.” However, meaningful ways to reduce that number need to be expanded: availability of family planning information and materials; support for women with problem or unintended pregnancies to carry to term, which a vast majority of women want; and even economic policies that make it more possible to have and raise children. 

The vote on this amendment will be in the August 2 primary election. Declaring a party is NOT required to vote, although independents may vote on only the proposed amendment.

Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.