Kansas lawmakers pass bill to protect pregnancy resource centers

Lawmakers in the Kansas House and Senate have passed legislation to protect the state's pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) from being forced to refer women for abortions or hire pro-abortion employees. The bill now rests in the hands of Democratic Governor Laura Kelly.

Key Takeaways:

• Kansas lawmakers have passed a bill to ensure that pregnancy resource centers won't be required to refer for abortions or hire employees who are pro-abortion.

• Though Kansas PRCs have not yet come under fire, those in several other states are facing litigation and scrutiny for not offering abortion-related services.

• PRCs exist to provide help and resources to vulnerable pregnant women in need.

The Details:

House Bill 2635 ensures that PRCs can offer services to pregnant women such as prenatal care, pregnancy and parenting supplies and resources, and information about their options, without the requirement that they also offer pro-abortion information or refer for abortions. The bill also says these centers are not required to hire employees “who do not affirm the center’s mission or pro-life ethic.”

Though Kansas PRCs have not yet faced scrutiny for the services they offer, those in several states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts, have come under fire for not offering abortion-related counseling or referrals. Lawmakers say the Kansas bill is meant to ensure that the state's PRCs won't face pro-abortion harassment in the future.

Pregnancy Resource Centers Provide Millions In Free Services

“Too many women feel abortion is their only option,” said Danielle Underwood, associate executive director of Kansans for Life. “House Bill 2635 ensures that organizations walking with women who choose life are free from the kind of harassment seen in states like New Jersey and Massachusetts.”

The Senate last week voted 31-9 along party lines to pass the bill, following the House’s 87-37 vote in February.

Zoom Out:

Most PRCs exist to provide life-affirming support to families, bridging the gap by offering supplies and care to help women who may feel overwhelmed or unable to manage pregnancy on their own.

According to the 2025 National Pregnancy Center Report, 2,775 pregnancy centers in the U.S. provided over $452 million in total medical care, support, and education services, and material goods in 2024 alone. Client satisfaction rates from these centers was 98%.

According to the Kansas Reflector, there are 44 pregnancy resource centers in Kansas, and the state has given $7 million to these centers since 2022 through its Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program.

What's Next:

The bill will next head to the desk of Governor Laura Kelly for signature.

Kelly, who supports abortion, could choose to sign or veto the bill, or let it go into effect without her signature. If she chooses to veto, a two-thirds majority of the House and Senate would be required to override it.