Sebelius vetoes new abortion rules

The veto could be Sebelius’ last as governor — and perhaps her boldest.

The Democrat awaits a final vote in the U.S. Senate next week on her nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Critics have seized on her support for abortion rights and her ties to late-term abortion provider George Tiller of Wichita.

“While I agree that we should try to reduce the number of abortions, it cannot be at the increased risk to the life or health of women,” Sebelius wrote in a statement announcing the veto.

The vetoed bill would have required late-term abortion providers to report the specific diagnoses used to justify the procedure. Abortions after the 22nd week of pregnancy are illegal in Kansas unless necessary to prevent serious health threats to the woman.