Politics

Kansas: Partial Recount Favors Abortion Rights

AUG 22 2022·Updated AUG 23 2022

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Image credit: PBS

The Facts

A partial recount has affirmed an August 2 referendum result in support of retaining Kansas's constitutionally protected right to abortion, with a discrepancy of fewer than 100 votes after the last county recounted on Sunday.
PBS NewsHour
The referendum saw Kansans reject a ballot initiative that sought to remove abortion rights protections enshrined in the state's Bill of Rights by 59 to 41 percent.
The New York Times
The partial recount was conducted by hand in nine out of the 105 counties, with those opposed to stripping abortion rights from the constitution losing 57 votes and those in favor gaining six votes.
The Associated Press
The initiative was the first state-wide abortion referendum since SCOTUS overturned the federally protected right to abortion enshrined in Roe v. Wade, giving states license to ban the procedure.
PBS NewsHour
The partial recount cost $119k and was requested by Kansan Melissa Leavitt - who has advocated for stricter election laws - and backed by long-time anti-abortion activist Mark Gietzen who helped cover the costs.
Currently
In 2019, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state's Bill of Rights protects a woman's right to "make her own decisions regarding her body, health, family formation, and family life - decisions that can include whether to continue a pregnancy."
NPR Online News

Sources Split

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The Spin

Left narrative

As proven by this referendum, most Americans support the right to control one's own body, including the right to an abortion. Republicans clearly weren't in touch with reality when they decided to bring this vote to the primary ballot and when they demanded a recount.

Salon

Right narrative

While this is a disappointing loss for Kansans and Americans nationwide, it's only one round in the abortion dispute. The pro-life movement must work even more diligently to educate people on ways to protect the preborn and their mothers.

FOX News