'No dates have been set': KDHE determining when to release abortion numbers

TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) said it has no dates set to release the bi-annual abortion numbers after recently passed legislation updated the reporting procedures.

House Bill 2749 outlines reporting procedures for pregnancies lawfully terminated to be submitted to the Secretary of the KDHE on a biannual basis. Kansans for Life (KFL), a pro-life advocacy group, claims Governor Laura Kelly is stalling the release of state abortion numbers.

“Gov. Kelly’s decision to not release the numbers shows the very reason the legislation was needed in the first place," said Danielle Underwood, KFL Director of Communications. "Is she afraid of Kansans seeing abortions are skyrocketing while one of the largest abortion clinics was operating without medical oversight?"

27 News spoke to KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh who said no dates have been set at this time for the release of the abortion statistics. She said all abortion data will be included in the KDHE Vital Statistics Annual Report that is released in late fall.

"KDHE is evaluating the reporting requirements and internal methods to determine when the bi-annual reports will be released," Bronaugh said in a written statement.

While anti-abortion advocates say the law provides a better understanding of the reasons people seek abortions, abortion rights advocates argue that it violates patient privacy and jeopardizes provider-patient relationships.

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