TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled for the first time that the state constitution protects abortion rights and has blocked a first-in-the-nation ban on a common second trimester procedure.

The court’s ruling Friday was a major victory for abortion rights supporters in a state with an anti-abortion Legislature.

It prevents the state from enforcing a 2015 law that could have reduced second-trimester abortions and allows challenges to other restrictions under the state constitution.

The court said language in the Kansas Constitution guaranteeing individual rights protects a woman’s right to obtain an abortion independent of the U.S. Constitution. Kansas courts could strike down restrictions that have been upheld by the federal courts.

The decision also stymies the attempt by abortion opponents to outlaw what the law described as “dismemberment abortion.”

Abortion opponents want to revise the Kansas Constitution after a state Supreme Court ruling.

But they were unsure Friday whether they would move immediately to try to put a proposed amendment on the statewide ballot.

Executive Director Mary Kay Culp said the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life is leaning against an immediate push when the Legislature reconvenes next week to wrap up business for the year. She said the group wants to be as organized as it can be.

Two-thirds majorities in both legislative chambers would have to approve a proposed amendment for it to go on the ballot.



READ MORE ON THE SUPREME COURT CASE AND VIEW THE VIDEO ARGUMENTS

OFFICIAL STATEMENTS ON THE RULING

“Radical and out-of-touch justices on the Kansas Supreme Court have cleared the way for the barbaric practice of dismemberment abortions and opened the door for even more extreme late-term abortions in our state. This ruling, which seeks to supersede federal law, also does not protect babies born alive after a botched abortion and must be challenged. Unborn and born-alive babies deserve protection under the law and I will continue to stand for life in our state and country.” – Rep. Ron Estes

“Today, the Kansas Supreme Court violated the sanctity of life and denied the rights of the unborn in our state. It’s plain wrong and deeply shameful,” Rep. Marshall said. “I’ve delivered thousands of babies across Kansas. Some of the happiest moments of my life were spent handing a newborn to his or her mom as I prayed for that young family. I will never be able to understand those who deny life to these precious gifts – these human beings.I have fought my whole life to protect the unborn, never fighting harder than now. I ask for you to fight alongside me.” – Rep. Roger Marshall

“Once again, the court has deviated from precedent in order to make a political statement. They drug their feet on this, making Kansans wait almost three years for their opinion. Then, in the 11th Hour -when the session is about to wrap up – they release a ruling that is no doubt counter to the Constitutional and moral beliefs our state was founded upon.



The House is working through the opinion and developing a solution. Not responding would jeopardize decades of progress in Kansas law that has successfully reduced the number of abortions in our state and helped families access alternatives like adoption. We will be working to put the question before the people of Kansas so they can decide whether Kansas continues as a pro-life state or becomes a pro-abortion state.” – Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman

“I am saddened by today’s State Supreme Court decision. An unborn child is a distinct human being and our laws should defend its right to life. This decision underscores the urgent need for federal legislation that will protect innocent life at all stages, and I will continue working to see such legislation achieved.” – Sen. Jerry Moran