Kansas House Advances 'Born Alive' Abortion Bill with Emergency Care Guarantee

The Kansas House is set to vote on a bill that requires medical personnel to take steps to preserve the life of a newborn if an abortion procedure inadvertently results in a live birth. The bill is similar to laws in at least 18 states and is based on the disputed idea that providers leave newborns to die after unsuccessful abortions. Supporters argue that the measure will survive a court challenge because it doesn’t limit abortion itself. However, opponents argue that current state laws against homicide and child neglect, as well as laws on doctors’ duties, are sufficient to cover the kind of cases described by supporters.