OVERLAND PARK, KS – On the second anniversary of Kansans’ resounding vote to reject an anti-abortion constitutional amendment, Representative Sharice Davids sat down with state legislators to discuss their efforts to fight back against extreme attempts to restrict reproductive freedoms. Even though Kansans made their voices clear, extreme actors in Kansas and across the country, including Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, have shown they will stop at nothing to restrict abortion rights. All Republicans running for Congress in Kansas’ Third District have said they support states’ ability to push these extreme policies.

“Two years ago, Kansans made it clear that they do not want politicians interfering with their most personal health care decisions,” said Davids. “Yet, we continue to see extreme anti-abortion policies being pushed by politicians both here in Kansas and across the nation, directly opposing the will of Kansans. Let me tell you — we won’t lose hope. By standing united, we will ensure a future where reproductive rights are protected for generations of Kansans.”

Following the Supreme Court reversing decades of precedent by overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansans voted decisively to protect reproductive rights by rejecting an anti-abortion constitutional amendment. This clear message demonstrated Kansans’ commitment to ensuring personal health decisions remain in the hands of individuals, not politicians. But more work is needed to fight back against the continued attacks.

Senator Dinah Sykes, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Representative Heather Meyer, Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, Representative Jo Ella Hoye, and Senator Cindy Holscher

“Kansans spoke loud and clear two years ago: they do not want politicians interfering in their private medical decisions,” said Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes. “Yet, extreme politicians in the Kansas Legislature continue to introduce bills that restrict reproductive freedom and ignore the will of Kansans. I’m doing everything I can to protect and preserve the reproductive rights of Kansans at the state level, and I’m grateful to have a leader like Rep. Davids fighting alongside me.”

“Kansans united to defend women two years ago today. Without Roe v. Wade to protect us, our right to choose is still at stake,” said Kansas Representative Jo Ella Hoye. “States with dangerous abortion bans have placed doctors in jeopardy while women’s lives hang in the balance. We must continue to protect the right to a safe, legal abortion at every level – from the Presidency, to Rep. Davids in Congress to members of the Kansas legislature – make sure that you’re represented by leaders who won’t back down on reproductive freedom.”

“Kansans came together to protect reproductive freedom on August 2nd 2022, and we will continue to fight to protect the right to make our own reproductive health decisions,” said Kansas Representative Heather Meyer. “These conversations should always remain between a patient, their family, and their healthcare provider, not left to the will of extremist judges and legislators, who are out of step with the people they represent. While it’s vital that we continue to value and respect the rights and freedoms of Kansans to make their own healthcare decisions, there are millions of people who live in states where safe and regulated reproductive healthcare has been banned. As Kansans we must join together and lead by example, so that we can restore reproductive rights throughout the country.”

“It was in my very first session, after being elected in 2020, that I witnessed every single Republican, in both chambers vote NO to exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother in the August 2nd amendment,” said Kansas Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin. “That’s when I knew that they did not, in fact, value women. Please send us help in the Kansas legislature and re-elect Representative Davids, so we can fight for bodily autonomy and reproductive rights on both the state and national levels.”

Representative Sharice Davids hosting a discussion with Kansas legislators on reproductive health care access.

During today’s discussion, Davids reiterated her support for the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would guarantee abortion access in all states across the country. The Kansas state legislators who attended today’s discussion included Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, Kansas Senator Cindy Holscher, and Kansas Representatives Jo Ella Hoye, Heather Meyer, Mari-Lynn Poskin, and Lindsay Vaughn. The group encouraged all Kansans to remain active in their communities, stay informed about legislative developments, and support candidates who are committed to protecting reproductive rights.
Earlier this year, Davids offered the official motion in the U.S. House to prevent a vote on a restrictive reproductive health care bill and voted twice to protect access to choice. She also introduced legislation to increase access to birth control and other reproductive health care services and joined 240 Members of Congress to file an amicus brief to keep mifepristone, a safe and effective medication used by millions of women, on the market.