kansas.com

A provision some lawmakers fear could prevent the University of Kansas medical center from providing abortion training to residents is casting uncertainty over a sweeping abortion bill being considered by a state House committee.

The provision is part of a bill that seeks to ensure no taxpayer money goes toward funding abortions in Kansas, including making it illegal for someone to claim medical expenses related to an abortion on their tax returns.

The Lawrence Journal-World reported Thursday that the provision in question would not allow any state employee to perform abortions, which could have implications for medical residents at the University of Kansas. Residents studying to be obstetricians and gynecologists are required to have the training.

Some lawmakers are concerned the medical center could lose accreditation if it did not provide the required abortion training. The bill currently is in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, where legislators could take action on it today or Friday.

Rep. Steve Brunk, a Wichita Republican and chairman of the committee, said the issue had been discussed, but concerns were raised after the formal hearing on the measure. Brunk’s committee still is reviewing the bill, but he’s suggested it could be sent to the full House for debate as is, leaving the medical center issue to the Senate to address later in the session.