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Today, in the final gubernatorial debate this election season, Gov. Laura Kelly reaffirmed that she shares Kansans’ values in supporting reproductive freedom. In the debate, Gov. Kelly said, “A woman's right to make private medical decisions should be made between her, her family and her doctor … Women should have bodily autonomy equal to that of men.” 

Kelly’s opponent, Derek Schmidt, tried to claim that Gov. Kelly’s views on abortion are far outside the mainstream — yet in reality, Kansans across the political spectrum believe that abortion must remain legal. Just this summer, the overwhelming majority of Kansans voted to protect abortion access, rejecting a constitutional amendment that would have eliminated that right. 

During the debate, Schmidt said voters have spoken on abortion and downplayed his support for the anti-abortion constitutional amendment. But it was another attempt to run from his extremist beliefs. From his previous assertions that abortion rights are still up for discussion to his support today for policies that would harm transgender and gender-nonconforming youth, Schmidt is out of touch with Kansas values. 

Gov. Kelly, on the other hand, reiterated that Kansans deserve to feel safe and supported no matter their gender — and that the state’s leaders must preserve and implement policies that protect Kansans’ fundamental freedoms. Kansans have made clear time and again they do not want more restrictions on their reproductive freedom. 

Statement from Kourtney Vincent-Woodbury, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes PAC: 

“Gov. Kelly has long championed the rights of Kansans to make their own health care decisions and today was no different. By reelecting Gov. Kelly, Kansans can be assured she will protect their rights, dignities, and futures. There is no mistaking the clear contrast in a leader like Gov. Kelly, who respects and listens to the majority of Kansans that want to protect abortion rights, and Derek Schmidt, who is determined to strip voters of the bodily autonomy they sought to uphold. Kansans deserve a leader who will fight for them – not their own self-interests – and that is Gov. Laura Kelly.”

Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes PAC announced the release of "Contrast," part of a six-figure digital ad campaign that highlights the stark differences between anti-abortion rights candidate Derek Schmidt and reproductive freedom champion Gov. Laura Kelly. The ad campaign is part of Planned Parenthood’s advocacy and political organizations’ 2022 electoral program, “Take Control,” which represents the groups’ largest-ever investment in an electoral cycle. The strategic investments will focus on states positioned to either restrict or expand access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

 

 Authorized and paid for by Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes PAC, Sandi Moss, Treasurer

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