The state of Kansas has passed a law that effectively bans second-trimester abortions, or what are referred to as "dismemberment" abortions.
Second trimester abortions are applicable at least 14 weeks into the pregnancy and involve a process using vacuum aspiration, and dilation and curettage. Also known as D and C, dilation and curettage involve applying suction into the uterus in order to remove attached tissues, effectively "dismembering" a developing fetus from the womb.
This type of abortion is considered as murder by some opponents, according to a blog at the Daily Orange, because of "blatant signs of life present at this point in pregnancy."
At least 14 weeks into the fetus' development, the blog said, features that individualise a baby are now evident, including fingerprints.
The new measure will take effect on July 1, according to WND.
Once the law becomes effective, the Daily Orange blog said, women can only avail of second-trimester abortions if they are needed to "save the life of the mother" or to address an "irreversible damage" to the patient.
Cheryl Sullenger of Operation Rescue, a pro-life Christian organisation, told WND on Friday that the impact of the new law will be "significant" even if it is only effective within the state.
"Over 600 lives will be protected every year in Kansas," claimed Sullinger, senior policy advisor for the organisation.
Sullenger also told WND that the law will impose a maximum age of 14 weeks for abortions.
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, commented on his Facebook page in praise of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback's "strong moral convictions" for signing the bill into law. Graham also prayed for the governors of Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, where similar laws have been introduced but not yet passed.
"Pray these states will act quickly to protect innocent life. Abortion is a bloody stain on the moral conscience of our nation, and I hope this legislation is a pivotal first step in putting a stop to the slaughter," Graham said.
