Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican and longtime life advocate, is getting ready to sign two pro-life bills that received overwhelming support in the Legislature. One would protect babies after the 22nd week of pregnancy; the other would require a minor to have parental consent before an abortion.
"It's a tremendous day," Republican state Rep. Lance Kinzer told The Kansas City Star. "It's been a long road for the pro-life movement in Kansas to get to this stage — not just a matter of years, but going back decades."
For many years, pro-life legislation would disappear on the desk of then-Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who now is President Obama's secretary of Health and Human Services.
The Indiana House voted 72-23 Wednesday to make abortion illegal after 20 weeks, except in cases where the mother's life is at risk. The state Senate recently passed a similar measure.
"It is our responsibility to protect the unborn," Republican Rep. Eric Turner, who authored the bill, told The Indianapolis Star. "I hope with this legislation, women will be able to make a more informed decision about their pregnancy, and I hope ultimately we'll have fewer abortions in this state."
The bill's passage, Turner said, "will make Indiana one of the most pro-life states in America."
In Idaho, lawmakers are working to protect life at the other end of the spectrum. Republican Gov. Butch Otter has received legislation from the House and Senate that would prevent doctors from helping patients to kill themselves.
Jason Herring, president of Right to Life of Idaho, said no one has the right to make such life-and-death decisions.
"We don't believe this belongs to a doctor or a hospital," he said. "This belongs to our Creator."
