Because the Republicans most likely to vote in an August primary are those with the most conservative views, it's not enough for GOP candidates to be "pro-life" anymore. It follows that most of the Republican candidates are trying to prove themselves uniquely worthy of the coveted pro-life vote.
But in the 4th Congressional District's GOP primary, front-runners Mike Pompeo and Wink Hartman hold positions that would crumble at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Pompeo, who won Kansans for Life's endorsement, opposes abortion except when necessary to save a woman's life.
Hartman goes further, opposing abortion across the board as well as birth-control pills, morning-after pills, intra-uterine devices and even saying of condom use — "I don't like it, but I can live with it."
While many Kansans check a calendar to make sure it's still 2010, both candidates should check the multiple Supreme Court decisions on abortion.
In Roe v. Wade and since, the court has made it clear that states cannot limit a woman's right to abortion before fetal viability and must allow abortion after viability (the 23rd or 24th week of pregnancy) to preserve a woman's life or health, including her mental health.
Until the court decides otherwise, candidates' talk of stricter limits is just pandering.
To read the complete editorial, visit The Wichita Eagle.
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