But it is also being seen as a test for abortion rights across the country, as Republican-dominated legislatures rush to impose strict bans on the procedure following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Other states, including California and Kentucky, will vote on the issue in November, at the same time as midterm elections for Congress, in which Republicans and Democrats alike hope to rally supporters across the country around abortion.
In Kansas, where the polls opened at 07:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. from Mexico City), the vote focuses on a 2019 state Supreme Court ruling that guarantees access to abortion until week 22. of gestation.
In response, a group of legislators introduced an amendment known as “Value Them Both” in the Republican-dominated state Congress, which would eliminate the constitutional right with the aim of returning to legislators the regulation of the procedure. .
On the other side, activists see the campaign as an attempt to clear the way for an outright ban. A state legislator has already introduced a bill to ban abortion without exception, whether for rape, incest or risk to the life of the mother.
The amendment is a blow to “personal autonomy,” said Ashley All, a spokeswoman for the pro-abortion Kanseños for Constitutional Freedom campaign.