Conservatives Push New Abortion Limits

Invigorated by their November victories, conservative legislators in several states are pushing for new laws to limit abortions, like banning abortions after 20 weeks, requiring women to see live ultrasounds of their fetus, and limiting insurance coverage. In Florida, Kansas, and Ohio, antiabortion politicians are calling for new laws to be drafted, or previously rejected ones to be re-introduced. “This is the best climate for passing pro-life laws in years,” said the leader of Ohio Right to Life, a group that opposes abortion. New Kansas Governor Sam Brownback ended his first State of the State address with a call for the legislature to "bring to my desk legislation that protects the unborn, establishing a culture of life in Kansas." Republican lawmakers in Washington also hope to tighten laws restricting the federal government from funding abortions even indirectly, though state laws have the most impact on access to abortion.