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Minutes for SB5 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Prohibiting the prescribing of drugs intended to cause an abortion using telemedicine and restricting the governor's power during a state of emergency to alter such prohibitions.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 15, 2023
Chairperson Gossage opened the hearing on SB5.
Jenna Moyer, Staff Revisor gave an overview of the bill. She took questions from committee members.
Senator Steffen spoke in support of the bill. He said SB5 clearly defines that the definition of an "abortion procedure" includes chemical abortions. He also stated that SB5 forbids the Governor from allowing abortion procedures via telemedicine during an emergency. SB5 does no more than clarify and prevent any miscommunication going forward. (Attachment 28)
Carol Daunis gave proponent testimony saying that chemical abortions are morally wrong not only for the mother but also for the child in the womb. Allowing pregnant mothers to be able to do a telehealth appointment concerning an innocent child should not be a matter of convenience.(Attachment 29)
Bridget Smith testified in support of SB5. Although the Insight Women's Center does not refer or perform abortions, they have recently provided services to two clients who had taken the abortion pill prescribed them through telemedicine. She said so much could go wrong that could cause death or long-term health problems to their clients. Because of what she has seen in the Insight Women's Center, she firmly believes that telemedicine to prescribe abortion pills is harmful to women and their children. (Attachment 30)
Questions were asked by committee members.
Proponent, written only testimony was submitted by:
April Cromer, Private Citizen (Attachment 31
Elizabeth Groff, Private Citizen (Attachment 32)
Kari Sue Vosburgh, Sedgwick County Precinct Committee Person (Attachment 33)
Kim C. Grubbs, Private Citizen (Attachment 34)
Natalie Horspool, Republican Precinct Committee Person (Attachment 35)
Nicole Vannicola, Douglas County Precinct Committee Person (Attachment 36)
Michelle Eagleman, Private Citizen (Attachment 37)
Richard Mullen, Private Citizen (Attachment 38)
Mary Stang, Private Citizen (Attachment 39)
Opponent, written only testimony was submitted by:
Martha Pint and Jacqueline Lightcap, League of Women Voters of Kansas (Attachment 40)
Carol Williamson, Retired teacher (Attachment 41)
Alice J. Capson, Private Citizen (Attachment 42)
Chairperson Gossage closed the hearing on SB5
Chairperson Gossage adjourned the meeting at 9:20 a.m. The next scheduled meeting will be February 16, 2023.
