Kansas reports highest number of abortions in decades

The total number of abortions in Kansas took a major jump in 2022 compared to previous years, largely due to patients from out of state for the procedure. That follows the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision by the United States Supreme Court. Figures from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment showed a total of 12,318 abortions occurred in the state in 2022. That's a whopping 57% rise compared to 2021. Although the number of Kansans seeking abortions took a slight drop, the increase was fueled by patients coming from Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and other states. Figures show that about 88 percent of abortions took place in the first 12 weeks of gestations. Eight percent were performed between 13 and 16 weeks and only 4 percent took place after 17 weeks of pregnancy. Almost early 60% of the abortions were done with the use of pills. Kansas voters rejected a measure that could have led to a total ban on abortion in the Sunflower State last August. A lawsuit currently is challenging laws enacted that required abortion providers to give patients information that the effects of abortion pills can be reversed that many healthcare providers say is medically unsupported. The Kansas News Service reports that earlier this week, Attorney General Kris Kobach reached an agreement with providers that the state will not enforce the abortion pill “reversal” law until a court decides whether to grant providers’ request that it be blocked.