UPDATE: Wednesday, May 2, 20212

A bill giving more legal protection to Kansas health care providers who refuse to participate in abortions is on its way to Gov. Sam Brownback.

The Senate approved the so-called "conscience" measure on a 23-16 vote Wednesday. The House passed the measure last month and is expected to be signed by Brownback, who strongly opposes
abortion.

Kansas law already says doctors and hospitals can't be penalized for refusing to participate in abortions or sterilizations.

This year's bill extends the protection to other health care providers. It also covers refusal to prescribe abortion-inducing drugs or to refer patients to providers to terminate pregnancies.

Critics worry the legislation is broad enough to restrict access to birth control.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Abortion opponents in the Kansas Senate plan to force a vote on a bill giving greater legal protection to health care providers who refuse to participate in terminating pregnancies.

Sen. Garrett Love, a Montezuma Republican, said he'll ask for a vote Wednesday evening.

The House already has approved the bill. Senate passage would send the measure to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, who's likely to
sign it.

Kansas law already says doctors and hospitals can't be penalized for refusing to participate in abortions or sterilizations.

This year's bill would expand that protection to other health care providers, including clinics and pharmacists. It also would cover their refusal to dispense abortion-inducing drugs.

Opponents contend the bill would restrict access to birth control as well.