Kansas governor vetoes child support for fetuses

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly used her veto pen on legislation that would have opened up a pathway for child support claims to be made on behalf of fetuses, characterizing the legislation as a blatant attempt by extreme politicians to “take more control over women.”

Senate Bill 232, supported by anti-abortion lobbying organizations, would have required the Supreme Court to adopt rules considering medical and pregnancy-related expenses for pregnant women, factoring in this child support at any time after the date of conception.

Passed 82-38 in the House and 25-12 in the Senate, the legislation specified that these child support payments for medical expenses incurred during pregnancy couldn’t be collected in cases where the woman receives an “elective” abortion. Exceptions would be allowed in cases where the abortion was performed to save the pregnant woman’s life. There is no chance to override the governor’s veto because lawmakers have already adjourned the legislative session.

“This divisive legislation has broad and sweeping implications that undermine the will of the majority of Kansans who voted overwhelmingly in 2022 to protect the constitutional rights of women to make decisions about pregnancy,” Kelly said Friday. “This is another blatant attempt by extreme politicians in the Legislature to take more control over women and their families’ personal, private medical decisions.”

https://kansasreflector.com/2024/05/10/kansas-governor-vetoes-child-support-for-fetuses/

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