Life begins at fertilization in Kansas

Life begins at fertilization, Kansas state legislators confirmed Friday, passing a sweeping pro-life measure described as one of the strongest in the nation. The bill also blocks tax breaks for abortionists and bans abortions performed solely because of the baby’s sex.

"The human is a magnificent piece of work at all stages of development, wondrous in every regard, from the microscopic until full development," said Sen. Steve Fitzgerald, a Leavenworth Republican who supported the bill.

The measure received wide support in both the House, where it was approved 90-30, and the Senate, where it passed 28-10. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is expected to sign it into law shortly so the new restrictions can take effect July 1.

Brownback has signed multiple pro-life measures into law during his term, and the number of pregnancies terminated in Kansas has declined 11 percent since he took office in January 2011.

The governor said he still has to review this year's bill thoroughly but added, "I am pro-life."

In addition to the bans on tax breaks and sex-selection abortions, the bill also prohibits abortionists from participating in public school sex education classes and further clarifies what information doctors must provide to women seeking abortions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.