Story highlights A new Kansas law bans what it describes as "dismemberment abortion"

Supporters say it's a groundbreaking step

Opponents say it's dangerous and politically motivated

(CNN) A new Kansas law banning a common second-term abortion procedure is the first of its kind in the United States.

The law , signed by Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback on Tuesday, bans what it describes as "dismemberment abortion" and defines as "knowingly dismembering a living unborn child and extracting such unborn child one piece at a time from the uterus."

Supporters of the measure described it as a groundbreaking step, while opponents warned it was dangerous and among the most restrictive abortion laws in the country.

On Twitter, Brownback, a Republican, said he was proud to sign a law "protecting life at its most vulnerable stage."