Kansas lawmakers voice concerns, implications child support bill could have for reproductive rights

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A bill moving through the Kansas Legislature could carry implications outside its direct application.

House Bill 2062 starts the window for child support at the point of conception and qualifies unborn children as tax deductible dependents. Sen. Kelly Warren says the bill is a way to provide expecting mothers with much-needed support.

“You can imagine moms across the state of Kansas, they might have some pregnancy-related expenses if they are having to be on bed rest,” Sen. Warren explained Tuesday. “They’re losing some income, maternity clothes, that kind of thing.”

The Senate passed HB 2062 with its amendments Wednesday, 30-9. The Kansas House already passed the original bill, but will need to approve the Senate’s amended version.

Democratic legislators voted against the measure. They cited concern that the bill defining unborn children in the tax code, even providing them a tax ID number, could be used as a step toward removing reproductive rights Kansans have supported.

“If a fetus is considered a legal person for financial matters, like taxes, what stops the next step,” Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes asked. “Using that recognition to restrict reproductive healthcare or even prosecute pregnancy losses.”

“Make no mistake, House Bill 2062 is a bad bill,” Sen. Patrick Schmidt stated. “I have spoken out against the attack on women’s rights as long as I have been running for office.”

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