LAWRENCE, Kan. — A group of three women and two physicians filed a lawsuit Thursday in Douglas County District Court, challenging a Kansas law that voids living wills for pregnant patients regardless of fetal viability or the mother’s medical condition.
The plaintiffs argue the statute violates rights under the Kansas Constitution, including personal autonomy, privacy, equal treatment, and free speech. Kansas is among several states where pregnancy status nullifies advance medical directives, even in cases of terminal illness or incapacitation.
Plaintiff Emma Vernon, currently pregnant, said the law strips her of peace of mind. “I know what is best for me,” she said. “I am no less capable of planning my medical care simply because I am pregnant.”
The lawsuit targets Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, the state Board of Healing Arts president, and the Douglas County district attorney. It was filed by Compassion & Choices, If/When/How, and the law firm Irigonegaray & Revenaugh.
Attorney Pedro Irigonegaray said the law “betrays” Kansas values by denying pregnant individuals control over their medical decisions.
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