Abortion

Anti-Choice Fundamentalists May Strip University Of Kansas Medical School of Accreditation and Put Women at Risk

The state's lawmakers would rather see the school suffer than allow physicians to be trained in abortion care.

University of Kansas medical students in training. [img src]

How over-zealous has Kansas become in its fight to “end abortion?”  A new, expanded bill meant to ensure no “taxpayer dollars” are used for abortions could force the University of Kansas Medical school to lose accreditation, as the legislature tries to strip its medical program from training students in abortion procedures.

Via The Capital Journal:

Rep. Steve Brunk, R-Wichita, said he is aiming for Thursday or Friday to bring forth the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” which among other things prevents any state agency or state employee from participating in an abortion.

A red flag was raised earlier this week about what that would mean for the medical center, whose medical residents are considered state employees. The school received a letter from an accreditation board this past weekend stating that though residents may opt out of abortion training for religious or moral reasons, the school must offer the training in order to remain accredited in obstetrics and gynecology.

A statement from KU said that no abortions are currently performed at The University of Kansas Hospital, but OB/GYN residents are required to learn the procedure at a private facility unless they opt out.

But not training medical staff on “abortion procedures” doesn’t just affect women who want to terminate a pregnancy — it effects those who need follow up care after miscarriages or complications resulting from a live birth.  Apparently, the state would rather have all women treated by OB/GYNs with a large gap in their training if it means enforcing their anti-choice agenda.