Kansas Republicans override pro-abortion governor’s veto, shielding pro-life crisis pregnancy centers from government mandates that violate their core beliefs.
Story Highlights
- Kansas GOP legislature overrides Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of the CARE Act, protecting over 50 pregnancy centers from forced abortion referrals.
- Alliance Defending Freedom’s model legislation advances in Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Montana, defending religious liberty post-Roe.
- State awards $2 million to Kansas Pregnancy Care Network after veto override, providing real alternatives to abortion amid 2022 voter rejection of pro-life amendment.
- Centers offer counseling, diapers, and support to mothers, countering blue-state attacks on faith-based operations.
Republicans Override Veto on CARE Act
Kansas Republican lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of House Bill 2635, the Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights Expression Act, hours after her rejection on March 27, 2026. The Senate voted 31-9 along party lines, following the House’s 87-37 approval in February. This supermajority action ensures crisis pregnancy centers cannot face government mandates to promote abortions, counsel in favor of them, or hire staff opposing their pro-life mission. Kansans for Life hailed the move as a top priority win against discrimination.
CARE Act Shields Pro-Life Centers Nationwide
The CARE Act, drafted by the Alliance Defending Freedom, prohibits state and local governments from requiring centers to perform abortions, post abortion-promoting materials, or restrict life-affirming services. Wyoming passed it on March 4, 2026; Montana enacted it in 2025; versions advance in Kansas and Oklahoma during 2026 sessions. Centers, numbering over 50 in Kansas alone, provide counseling, resources like diapers, and parenting aid without medical oversight, drawing fire from critics like Kelly who call them unregulated.
Funding Victory Defies Governor’s Opposition
Post-2022 Roe overturn, Kansas Republicans enacted the “Alternatives to Abortion” bill, overriding Kelly’s veto to award $2 million to the Kansas Pregnancy Care Network, modeled on Texas successes. This network, the sole successful bidder, partners religiously to support mothers choosing life. Kelly labeled centers ineffective and non-evidence-based, yet GOP lawmakers prioritized preserving life and free speech. The funding operates amid Kansas voters’ 59%-41% rejection of the pro-life “Value Them Both” amendment in August 2022.
Crisis pregnancy centers trace roots to the 1970s evangelical movement, with groups like Care Net claiming to save 823,000 babies since 2008 through 1,100 affiliates. Courts, including SCOTUS, have upheld their First Amendment rights against regulation attempts. At least 19 states now fund such centers, contrasting blue-state crackdowns accusing them of deception.
Conservative Values Underpin Protections
Proponents frame the CARE Act as essential defense against post-Roe attacks, enabling centers to sue violators and allowing legislative intervention in lawsuits. This counters opponents like Planned Parenthood, who decry special protections eroding abortion access despite Kansas’ pro-choice voter mandate. Republican Sen. stated the bill prevents government from forcing centers to act against beliefs, aligning with traditional family values and individual liberty. Long-term, it boosts GOP messaging on women’s care without promoting abortion.
Sources:
Kansas and other red states move to protect crisis pregnancy centers, using model legislation
Kansas is latest state to fund anti-abortion groups that encourage women to give birth
The Quickie: Kansas Republicans Try to Fund Anti-Abortion Centers (Again)
