Texans choosing Kansas for abortions

KSNT Topeka
·2 min read

KANSAS (KSNT) – Texans have been choosing Kansas for their abortions.

In 2023, 110 Kansans traveled to Colorado to perform abortions, the only outflow of note. Meanwhile, over 20,000 people traveled from states like Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana to perform abortions in the Sunflower State.

Those traveling to Kansas come from states with more restrictive abortion policies. Of those traveling to Kansas for abortions, over 6,500 Texans traveled to Kansas, according to data from the Center for Open Science (COR). Texas’s abortion ban is one of the most restrictive in the country.

Kansans overwhelmingly voted to uphold abortion rights in 2022. However, a host of abortion-related legislation was introduced this year.

Of the legislation, republican lawmakers passed House Bill 2749 on March 7, overriding a veto from Governor Laura Kelly. In addition to asking patients why they’re getting an abortion, the legislation requires abortion providers to report to the state on a biannual basis.

“Kansans continue to be shocked by the spike in the number of abortions in our state, yet after news broke about Trust Women’s recent issues, we’re now wondering how many of the women who traveled here were endangered by abortion procedures without medical oversight,” Kansans For Life Director of Communications Danielle Underwood said in response to the findings.

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“We are thankful that in 2022, Kansans defended access to abortion in our state when given the opportunity to make their voices heard over extremist politicians,” Communications Director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas Esmie Tseng said. “Abortion is still heavily regulated and remains safe and legal, and we know that Kansans respect each other to make these extremely personal, sometimes life-saving medical choices with our families and doctors. It is unfortunate that in so many other states, government has gotten in the way of that.”

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The inflow of abortion patients to Kansas, according to the COR:

  • Texas – 6,720

  • Oklahoma – 3,310

  • Missouri- 2,860

  • Arkansas – 570

  • Louisiana – 180

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