Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita is asking Catholics to vote 'yes' Aug. 2 on the proposed "Value Them Both" constitutional amendment in Kansas that would allow the state legislature to impose restrictions on abortion.

"If it passes with a majority of Kansans voting ‘yes,’ the amendment will return already existing and future regulations of the abortion industry to the rule of law," the bishop wrote in Catholic Advance. "I also urge you to speak about the Value Them Both amendment with family and friends and encourage everyone you know to vote yes. I would also ask everyone to pray fervently for the passage of this amendment."

Value Them Both would amend the Kansas Constitution to add: "Because Kansans value both women and children, the constitution of the state of Kansas does not require government funding of abortion and does not create or secure a right to abortion. To the extent permitted by the Constitution of the United States, the people, through their elected state representatives and state senators, may pass laws regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, laws that account for circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, or circumstances of necessity to save the life of the mother.”

Voting against the amendment would limit the ability of Kansas lawmakers to restrict abortion.

The amendment would not ban abortion in the state of Kansas, but would leave the door open for lawmakers to enact protections, such as restricting second and third trimester abortions, which involve dismembering babies.

"I might suggest that we pray the rosary every day from July 2-Aug. 2, 2022, for this intention," Kemme said. "Our Blessed Mother cherished the life of the Baby in her womb. St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Mother and the legal and foster father of the Child valued them both. With their intercession and inspiration, may we in Kansas do the same for all babies and their mothers. May God help us especially in this last month to educate ourselves and others so that an informed electorate will go to the polls on Aug. 2 and vote ‘yes’ to Value Them Both!”

Among the organizations that have voiced support for Value Them Both include the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptist, Focus on the Family, Concerned Women for America of Kansas, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Kansas District, and the Family Research Council.     

A Gallup poll conducted in May 2021 found a majority of Americans do not support unrestricted access to abortion. Of respondents to the survey, 48% said they believe abortion should only be legal under certain circumstances, and 19% said they believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. In addition, 32% of respondents said they believe abortion should be legal in all cases.