By Trish Svoboda

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s removal of constitutional protections for abortion two years ago, Kansas has experienced an increase in patients seeking abortion services. Despite other states passing abortion restrictions post-Roe v. Wade, Kansas voters opted to maintain abortion protections. Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes President Emily Wales fears that states will soon make it more difficult for patients to travel for abortions.

Speaking alongside U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids at a press conference on the anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, Davids highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to restrict reproductive rights despite Kansas voters’ support for abortion access. She criticized anticipated Supreme Court decisions that could further undermine healthcare rights.

Planned Parenthood faces legislative challenges in Kansas, including a law requiring detailed patient surveys before abortions. Kansans for Life criticized Planned Parenthood’s legal challenge against abortion-related legislation and Governor Kelly’s delay in releasing annual state abortion statistics, accusing her of hiding rising abortion rates. They referenced the closure of the Trust Women clinic in Wichita as evidence of inadequate oversight. They reiterated their commitment to making Kansas a pro-life state.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment clarified the timing of their abortion data release, adjusting to new legislative requirements without setting specific dates. Planned Parenthood welcomed the decision to integrate abortion statistics into routine health reports, advocating for depoliticizing healthcare data presentation.