The Latest: Kansas abortion ban to go before judge
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The latest on Kansas' first-in-the nation ban on a procedure that anti-abortion activists call "dismemberment abortion" (all times local):
1 a.m.
The state of Kansas is defending its ban on a procedure that opponents refer to as "dismemberment abortion."
An abortion rights group on Thursday will ask a Kansas judge to block the ban. The Center for Reproductive Rights says the procedure is the most common method for terminating second-trimester pregnancies. It contends the new law would force some women to either accept higher medical risks or forgo abortions.
But the state says abortion providers have safe alternatives to the procedure.
Thursday's hearing before District Judge Larry Hendricks comes just six days before the ban takes effect.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is asking him to block it at least until its lawsuit is heard.
