Abortion group says Kansas abortion laws not backed by science

A national abortion research and policy organization released a study Tuesday saying Kansas is tied for being the state with the most abortion laws not supported by scientific evidence. But at least one lawmaker disagrees.

In the wake of the U-S Supreme Court striking down a Texas abortion law in 2016, the Guttmacher Institute decided to conduct a study.

The Guttmacher Institute claims to be a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.

It came up with this list of 10 laws that it says are restricting abortion rights and are not based in science.

Kansas is on top, tied with Texas, with eight of the ten laws on the books. The Trust Women Foundation runs a women's health clinic in Wichita that performs abortions, and backs the study.

"There are 10 laws on the books that are based on lies, myths, inaccuracies," said Founder and CEO Julie Burkhart.

She wants to see Kansas repeal the laws.

"It will take time, but it is definitely something we can definitely accomplish," said Burkhart.

But at least one lawmaker in Topeka says they're going to have to wait awhile.

Representative John Whitmore says when they passed the laws they heard testimony from both sides that cited science.

"There's pro-life legislation here that they still oppose, and it is still going to pass. We are a pro-life state. They're welcome to come and advocate for their side of the issue, but primarily Kansans are pro-life and I don't think just because the abortion clinic in Wichita wants to advocate for a change or repeal of the laws, I don't see that changing," said Whitmore.

The Trust Women Foundation is looking to have discussions with lawmakers for the 2018 legislative session.