OVERLAND PARK, KS (KCTV/AP) -
Gov. Sam Brownback has signed legislation giving more legal protection to Kansas health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions.
Brownback's office announced the signing Monday, although it took place last week. The governor is a strong abortion opponent and had been expected to sign the measure, which takes effect in July.
Kansas law already protects doctors and hospitals from being forced to participate in abortions. This year's measure extends the so-called "conscience" protection to other health care facilities.
The legislation also says no individuals are required to refer patients for abortion services, or to participate in administering any drug they believe terminates a pregnancy.
Abortion opponents said the measure simply updates existing law. Supporters of abortion rights predict it will restrict access to birth control.
Those opposed to the law said it will make it easier for pharmacists or anyone who dispenses medicine to refuse to dispense a drug that they believe could result in the termination of a pregnancy.
Proponents said the law will prevent distribution of the abortion drug, RU-486, and not contraceptives. But you can't get RU-486 from a pharmacy.
"I think it was a deliberate attempt to confuse RU-486 with what's known as the morning after pill," said Planned Parenthood CEO Peter Brownlie. "I think it was deliberately confusing. RU-486 can only be provided by a physician who's going to administer it to a patient."
Brownlie fears that the law will be used to restrict birth control and the morning after pill.
"The beliefs of a pharmacist do not trump the beliefs of an individual woman," Brownlie said. "The woman has a right to act on her own beliefs."
KCTV5 repeatedly tried to reach Kansas Sen. Lance Kinzer, a Republican from Olathe, for comment but was unsuccessful.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) and Associated Press. All rights reserved.
