Bishop Jerry Vincke of the Diocese of Salina is encouraging the faithful to vote 'yes' for the Value Them Both amendment on Aug 2.

The amendment to Kansas Constitution would add the following language: "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."

Some say voting against the amendment would limit the ability of Kansas lawmakers to restrict abortion.

"Mother Teresa once said: 'We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love,'" Vincke wrote on the Catholic Diocese of Salina website. "Now you and I, the people of the Catholic Diocese of Salina, have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to do a great thing through a small act. I’m talking about the critical need to vote 'yes' on the Value Them Both Amendment this August 2nd. Because of a radical state court ruling in Topeka, the abortion industry in Kansas is now being allowed to operate with virtually no limits or regulations.

"If we vote 'yes' in big numbers for the Value Them Both amendment, we will reverse the radical court ruling and allow Kansas laws regulating the abortion industry to once again be in effect and enforced. Our 'yes' vote on Value Them Both will protect Kansas women and save babies — it’s that simple. And we can protect Kansas as a place that welcomes, honors and values both women and babies." 

Abortions in Kansas increased from 7,542 in 2020 to 7,849 in 2021, a yearly increase of 4.1% and the largest number of abortions performed in the state since 2011, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported. According to the report, 751 of those abortions were performed on teenagers — six of whom were under the age of 14 — and 32% of the women had at least one prior abortion. The Value Them Both amendment would undo a 2019 Kansas Supreme Court ruling that stated women have a right to abortion at any point in pregnancy.

The Catholic Church has maintained a firm stance against abortion for centuries, regardless of evolving biological theories about when exactly life begins, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. According to the Catechism: "Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" (No. 2271).