Kansas enacts new abortion restrictions

TOPEKA, Kan., April 13 (UPI) -- Women in Kansas face new restrictions on their right to have an abortion after 22 weeks of pregnancy as of July 1, pro-choice proponents say.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed two measures into law Tuesday effectively ending late-term abortions in the state unless they are necessary to save the life of the mother, The Topeka (Kan.) Capital Journal reported.

Brownback said challenges to the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 ruling establishing a national right to abortion are popping up all over the country.

"You're seeing pro-life legislation pass in many jurisdictions across the nation," he said. "To sign major pro-life legislation in a first term, I think is important and significant."

Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri and Trust Women of St. Louis said the legislation would have a negative impact on the health of women.

"These bills will not reduce the rate of abortion,' said Julie Burkhart, executive director of Trust Women, "They will force women to seek other means."