Kansas vote could allow ban, but abortion foes mum on plans

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A vote is looming in Kansas that could clear the way for the Legislature to more strictly regulate or ban abortion, but abortion opponents are hesitating to say what they intend to do if they win. Early voting has begun for an Aug. 2 election on a proposed change in the state constitution to give the Republican-controlled Legislature the power to make the decision. The state Supreme Court has ruled the current constitutional language protects abortion rights. It’s the first such vote in the nation since the U.S. Supreme Court declared last month that states can prohibit abortion. Several other states are poised to vote on the issue later this year, and new fights loom elsewhere. Kansas abortion opponents are making a pitch to centrist voters that avoids talking about a ban.