TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is close to banning an abortion procedure targeted by a national group and described by abortion opponents as fetus dismemberment.

The state House gave first-round approval Wednesday to a bill imposing the ban. Its voice vote advances the measure to another, final vote possibly later Wednesday.

The Senate already has passed the measure, so final House approval would send it to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. He has promised to sign it.

The bill outlaws the dilation and evacuation procedure and redefines it as “dismemberment abortion.” Doctors could not use forceps or similar instruments on a fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces.

The National Right to Life Committee drafted the measure as model legislation for states.

 

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House is considering a proposed ban on an abortion procedure targeted by a national group that describes it as fetus dismemberment.

House members expected Wednesday to debate a bill imposing the ban.

The Senate already has approved the measure. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback has promised to sign the bill if lawmakers pass it.

The bill outlaws the dilation and evacuation procedure and redefines it as “dismemberment abortion.” Doctors could not use forceps, clamps or similar instruments on a fetus to remove it from the womb in pieces.

The National Right to Life Committee drafted the measure as model legislation for states.

Abortion rights supporters say the targeted procedure is sometimes the safest for a woman. The procedure is used in about 8 percent of Kansas abortions.