TOPEKA, Kan. ' Abortion opponents marked the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Tuesday with workshops, prayers and calls for more legislation chipping away at the abortion rights the U.S. Supreme Court decision seemed to guarantee.
Many looked to Kansas, where Republican Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a series of tough, anti-abortion measures during his first two years in office. Much to the dismay of abortion-rights advocates, Kansas has been part of a wave in which states with Republican governors and GOP-controlled Legislatures enacted new restrictions on abortion providers.
Hundreds of abortion opponents gathered in Topeka for a rally with Brownback, who has called on lawmakers to create "a culture of life" and is expected to support whatever further restrictions they approve. Kansans for Life, the most influential of the state's anti-abortion groups, plans to ask lawmakers to enact legislation ensuring that the state doesn't finance abortions even indirectly, such as through tax breaks or allowing doctors-in-training at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., to perform them on the center's time. The group also wants to strengthen a state law dictating what information must be provided to abortion patients.
"There are still things we can do," Mary Kay Culp, the group's executive director, said before Tuesday's events, which also included workshops and prayer gatherings.
Abortion rights advocates have celebrated the Jan. 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade decision because it declared women have a constitutional right to abortions in some circumstances and prevented states from banning it.
Across the nation, many events were scheduled Tuesday by advocacy groups on the two sides of the debate. The National Organization for Women, for example, planned a candlelight vigil at the Supreme Court to commemorate the Roe ruling, which it supports. The annual March for Life, which traditionally draws several hundred thousand abortion opponents to Washington, D.C., is scheduled for Friday.
"It should be honored ' not trying to find loopholes, " said Rep. Emily Perry, a lawyer and Democrat from the Kansas City suburb of Mission, Kan., who supports abortion rights. "I wish the amount of energy put into narrowing Roe v. Wade would be put into school funding or our budget."
In the four decades since Roe v. Wade, a series of court decisions have narrowed its scope. With each decision, lawmakers in multiple states have followed up by making abortions more difficult to obtain or imposing restrictions on providers.
According to the New York-based Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive-rights think tank, 135 laws aimed in some way at restricting access to abortion were enacted in 30 states ' most of them with Republican-controlled legislatures ' in 2011 and 2012. More such measures already have been proposed in several states this year.
In Wyoming, for example, a pending bill would prohibit abortions after a fetal heartbeat is audible. A similar "heartbeat" bill is pending in Mississippi and one was debated but later sidetracked in Ohio last year.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Rick Perry has told lawmakers that he expects more anti-abortion laws during the 2013 session to work toward his goal "to make abortion at any stage a thing of the past." Anti-abortion activists have pledged to use every legal means possible to make obtaining abortions difficult, if not impossible, to obtain.
It's far rarer for bills strengthening access to abortion to be enacted these days, but there are some pending proposals. In their state of the state speeches this month, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo endorsed a bill that would further entrench the right to abortion in state laws, while Washington state's new governor, Jay Inslee, said he wants to enact a measure that would require insurers who cover maternity care ' which Washington insurers are mandated to provide ' to also pay for abortions. Both Inslee and Cuomo are Democrats.
A majority of states now impose a waiting period for patients wishing to obtain an abortion, and three-quarters require parental involvement before a minor can obtain an abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute. All such policies are in place in Kansas.
Kansas has three abortion clinics, all of them in the Kansas City area. An abortion rights group, Trust Women, plans to open a new clinic in Wichita in the building where the late Dr. George Tiller performed late-term procedures until he was murdered in 2009 by a man professing strong anti-abortion views. But the new clinic doesn't plan to end pregnancies as late as Tiller did ' and couldn't in most cases under a 2011 state law restricting such procedures at or after the 22nd week of pregnancy.
The American Civil Liberties Union recently dropped a federal lawsuit against a state law restricting private health insurance coverage for abortions, after a judge's ruling limited the issues to be decided at trial. A challenge to state regulations specifically for abortion providers is still pending in the state's courts.
AP National Writer David Crary in New York contributed to this report.
Mr. President
U.S. President Barack Obama waves as the presidential inaugural parade winds through the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Mr. Vice President
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden walk along Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade following Obama's second inauguration as the 44th U.S. president on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)
The First Couple
President and Michelle Obama wave to onlookers as the presidential inaugural parade winds through the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Right In Our Backyard
U.S. President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama walk past the reviewing stand as the presidential inaugural parade winds through the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Parade Pandemonium
U.S. President Barack Obama drives down Pennsylvania avenue in his vehicle during the Inauguration Parade on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Secret Service Security
A U.S. Secret Service vehicle escorts President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's motorcade during the inauguration parade on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Obama's Wheels
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 21: U.S. President Barack Obama drives down Pennsylvania avenue in his vehicle during the Inauguration Parade on January 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. The President was sworn in for second term. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Awaiting Obama's Arrival
People watch as the presidential inaugural parade winds through the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Showtime
U.S. President Barack Obama exits his limousine to walk during a portion of the presidential inaugural parade in the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
A Walk Back In Time
Men in traditional colonial garb perform as U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk along Pennsylvania Avenue during the parade following Obama's second inauguration as the 44th US president on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C.(MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)
A Hearty Thank You
President Barack Obama waves after taking the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
The President's Pen
U.S. President Barack Obama (4R) is surrounded by (L-R) Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) while signing a proclamation to commemorate the inauguration, entitled a National Day of Hope and Resolve, directly after swearing-in ceremonies in the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst-Pool/Getty Images)
Putting It In Writing
President Barack Obama (2L) signs a proclamation to commemorate the inauguration, entitled a National Day of Hope and Resolve, as (L-R) Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), and House Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA) look on directly after swearing-in ceremonies in the U.S Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jonathan Ernst-Pool/Getty Images)
It's Official
President Barack Obama is sworn by Chief Justice John Roberts at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
The National Anthem
President Barack Obama, surrounded by members of his family, listens to the National Anthem during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
The Winning Ticket
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) talks with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on the reviewing stand as the presidential inaugural parade winds through the nation's capital January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Husband And Wife
President Barack Obama takes the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Father And Daughters
President Barack Obama is greeted by daughter Sasha as Malia looks on at the beginning of the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the US Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Sister, Sister
First daughters Sasha (L) and Malia arrive for the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
The Second Family
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden attend the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on Inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Bill & Hillary
Former president Bill Clinton and the current U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrive for the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Hillary & Harry
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, applaud during the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
The Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Justices (L-R) Anthony Kennedy, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor Elena Kegan, Samuel A. Alito, and Stephen G. Breyer attend the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Let's Do Lunch
President Barack Obama shakes hands as he and first lady Michelle Obama arrive at the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on Inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Fine Dining
The place card for U.S. President Barack Obama sits ready for the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Neatly-Folded Napkins
Rocio Saucedo of Design Cuisine folds napkins in preparation for the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on Inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Time To Eat
Caterers set up for the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on Inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Crystal Clear
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, holds a crystal vase during a media briefing at the U.S. Capitol January 18, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
A Toast
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden toasts with Sen. Charles Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, at the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol building January 21, 2013 in Washington D.C. (Photo by Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
Capitol Pomp And Circumstance
President Barack Obama gives his speech after taking the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
The National Mall
People crowd the National Mall to view U.S. President Barack Obama taking the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
The Presidential Motorcade
The presidential motorcade travels down Pennsylvania Ave. during the presidential inauguration January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Take Your Seats
Reserved seats for guests to view U.S. President Barack Obama taking the oath of office during the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonial swearing-in at the US Capitol on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)
The Podium
Placemarks are set for the Obama and Biden families before the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Places, Please!
Placemarks are set for the Obama and Biden families before the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
A Special Sunrise
American flags are waved as people gather near the U.S. Capitol building on the National Mall for the Inauguration ceremony on January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The Gingrich Family
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and wife Callista Gingrich arrive during the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol January 21, 2013 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
You Go, Joe
President Barack Obama, center and Beau Biden, Attorney of Deleware, right, watch as his father Joe Biden is sworn in at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
Any Minute Now
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden look behind them on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, before their ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
A Room With A View
Vice President Joe Biden, left and President Barack Obama wait for their ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
I'm Here
Caption contest, Anyone? Vice President Joe Biden, followed by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., arrives on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, for the Presidential Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
All Smiles
Flanked by Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden arrive at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
The Team
President Barack Obama greets Vice President Joe Biden at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
Hillary Greets President Obama
President Barack Obama is greeted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton for his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
The President Arrives
President Barack Obama arrives for his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
Bill 'Photo Bombs' Joe
Vice President Joe Biden arrives at the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. Right is former President Bill Clinton.
Thumbs Up
President Barack Obama flashes a thumbs up at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
President Obama Salutes
This handout photo provided by NASA shows President Barack Obama saluting as he and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, depart the White House for Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, and Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Hillary & Bill Arrive On The West Front
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, for the Presidential Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Even McCain Is Fired Up
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. arrives on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, for the Presidential Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
Leon Panetta Arrives
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood arrive on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, for the Presidential Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
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