NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      WICHITA, Kansas (CWNews.com) - An unidentified, 12-year-old Michigan girl who was given permission to travel out-of-state for a late-term abortion on Friday may face further roadblocks at the Kansas abortion clinic she is expected to visit.

      The girl, who was allegedly impregnated by her 17-year-old brother almost 29 weeks ago, had been temporarily barred from traveling to Kansas for an abortion because Michigan law prohibits most abortions after the 24th week, while Kansas allows it under certain conditions.

      The Conservative News Service reported on Tuesday that the girl's chosen abortionist, Dr. George Tiller of Wichita, may not be allowed to perform the abortion. Tiller disclosed on his own web site that in order to perform the partial-birth abortion, he must determine that the abortion is necessary to safeguard the girl's life or prevent "substantial or irreversible impairment of a major bodily function."

      Previously, the girl's lawyers had argued that Kansas allows partial-birth abortion if necessary for "long-term mental or physical health." David Gittrich of Kansas for Life said a new state law passed on July 1 removed the exception for mental health for abortions after 22 weeks.