WICHITA, Kan. (AP) _ A federal judge has ruled that a trial is needed to determine whether a Kansas law restricting private health insurance coverage for abortions poses a substantial obstacle to women seeking to end their pregnancies.
U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson on Monday rejected a request by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri for a favorable ruling in their legal challenge of the law.
The judge also ruled partially in favor of the state on whether the law's main purpose was to impose an undue burden on abortion rights.
The law prohibits insurance companies from offering coverage for abortions in their general plans, except when a woman's life is in danger. Kansas residents or employers who want abortion coverage must buy supplemental policies.
