You decide how you will vote…
…we only want to help guide you

There is a lot of mis-information regarding the Value Them Both Constitutional Amendment that is going to be on the ballot on August 2, 2022.

We want to help clarify what is true to help you decide how you should vote.

July 17 - Pastoral Moment

Christian voter challenge:

  • Use your privilege of your freedom to vote.

  • Vote based on your conscience as guided by Jesus & scripture.

  • Challenge your assumptions of what you think is true and be an informed voter.

  • We will not be a church who votes in uniformity but we will be in unity as we love each other.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love…
Colossians 2:2 (NIV)

A Conversation to Address Mis-information

Pastor Kasey sits down with Pastor David and Debbie Beauchamp to talk about what this Kansas Constitutional Amendment does and does not do. They also address the misinformation that is misleading many people. This video is meant for those who attend Westside Family Church. We know there are many people on both sides of this issue who attend our church. We challenge everyone to be informed.

Is Value them Both a law on abortion?

No, Value Them Both is not a law to ban abortion. It is an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Kansas.

Does this Constitutional amendment ban abortion?

No. It does not ban abortion.

The amendment affirms that the people of Kansas, through our elected legislators, can place reasonable limits on the actions of the abortion industry, safeguarding the protections we have enacted over the past 20 years.

The amendment preserves existing laws that were passed with bipartisan support to protect:

  • women in vulnerable situations,

  • fetuses who can feel pain,

  • underage girls,

  • parents’ rights to be involved in their daughters’ major medical decisions,

  • conscience protections for medical professionals, and

  • taxpayers from being forced to fund an unlimited abortion industry, among others.

Why do we need to vote on a Constitutional amendment?

In 2019 the Kansas Supreme Court declared that the Kansas Constitution established a right to abortion. This decision removed the Kansas’ legislative branch to create laws to regulate the abortion industry within the Kansas borders. The Kansas’ Supreme Court decision made all the laws that were established between 1995-2019 to constrain abortions unconstitutional. These laws were constraints (for example – parental consent, clinical inspection, and informed consent) on the abortion industry. Now there are no constraints on the abortion industry. (Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt, 309 Kan. 610, 2019)

On April 7, 2021, a judge in the Shawnee County District ruled that the law banning dismemberment abortion (dilation and evacuation abortion) was unconstitutional under the Kansas Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling.

Now, all 20-24 laws that were previously permitting and regulating abortion are presumed to be unconstitutional. In effect, Kansas is now a state where any abortion procedure is allowed.

What does this Constitutional Amendment say?

§ 22. Regulation of abortion.

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.

See resources below for link to actual ballot.

What about hard cases like rape or incest?

Any act of sexual violence is indefensible. Victims of abuse deserve respect, understanding and support toward healing from an extremely tragic and dehumanizing experience. Value Them Both preserves protections enacted for rape and incest victims and ensures they still receive information regarding their pregnancy, medical risks of abortion, and support available for alternatives, as our laws have provided for other women. This amendment does not change any current laws regarding abortion in Kansas — including cases involving rape or other difficult circumstances. It also specifically allows for these to continue to be considered as an important part of the conversation regarding this difficult topic.

Value Them Both allows current laws to stand and protects the right of the people, through their elected officials, to study, debate, and vote on commonsense abortion regulations, including those that involve horrific and criminal abuse of women. See Value Them Both FAQ below.

What happens if this amendment passes?

If Kansans pass this amendment, then all 24 of the laws that have permitted and governed abortions in the State of Kansas will become the law. None of these laws ban abortion.

What happens if this amendment does not pass?

Nothing happens if the Value them Both amendment to the Kansas Constitution does not pass. The 2019 Kansas Supreme Court decision which deems any regulation on abortion unconstitutional will remain the governing authority regarding abortion. This will allow the four abortion clinics to operate in their current capacity without any medical governance.

Does the Bible talk about abortion?

The Bible does not have any stories or instruction about someone having an abortion. The Bible does have wisdom that directs our beliefs and actions. Our lead pastor has taught on abortion. The scriptures guide us in the wisdom to help us see: 1) that all humanity is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:24-28); 2) that all we have and all we are come from God and belongs to God (Psalm 24); 3) that everybody’s body is the temple or future temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Therefore, we must treat the woman and the unborn child with that dignity and honor.

Does this pave the way to a total ban on abortion?

Not really. It paves a way to passing laws that would create a total ban on abortion just as much as it paves a way to passing laws to allow any abortion.

This amendment, not law, makes it possible for the Kansas State Legislature to vote on laws to regulate abortion. Kansans have the power to vote in Senators and Representatives to represent their voice in writing and passing laws. These laws would have to go through the normal house process to be established.

How many abortions happen in Kansas?

7,849 abortions were performed in the state in 2021 by four clinics in Overland Park and Wichitah. This official total counts all surgical and medical abortions performed by doctors.

60% of Kansas abortions are from people out of state.

See the whole report on Kansas Abortion Stats

What About "Separation of Church and State"?

Many have misunderstood the “separation of Church and State.” The phrase is not in the US Constitution nor in our Declaration of Independence. It was a phrase used by Thomas Jefferson to refer to the Church being protected from the state, not the other way around. There was never any intention to keep the Church from the public arena. A state without the moral compass of the Church can lead to a culture of lies and deception. Churches can and should share about biblical issues, and this certainly includes the biblical issue of the sacredness of life.

A church with a 501(c)(3) status is not permitted to support or promote a political candidate or party. Churches are permitted to support policy.

Resources