[Kansas pro-lifers] backed the bill and were watching [Gov.] Sebelius' action closely as she awaits U.S. Senate confirmation as federal health and human services secretary.
-- From "Late-term abortions bill vetoed in Kansas" The Associated Press 4/23/09
The bill would have required physicians to report additional information to the state about the late-term abortions they perform, and would have allowed more county prosecutors to pursue criminal charges over potentially illegal late-term procedures.
Also, doctors could have faced lawsuits if their patients later believed a late-term abortion violated the law. A woman's husband or a girl's parent or guardian also could have filed a lawsuit.
In a veto message to legislators, Sebelius argued that doctors could have faced criminal prosecution even if they tried to comply with the law. She said that would "lead to the intimidation of health care providers and reduce access to comprehensive health care for women, even when it is necessary to preserve their lives and health."
Sebelius' veto came as anti-abortion and other conservative groups have stepped up their pressure on senators to reject her nomination.
Before the veto, Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, issued a statement saying "significant questions" remained about Sebelius' stance on late-term abortions.
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