Topeka, KS (LifeNews.com) -- The Kansas House has approved a new bill that would provide for better enforcement of the late-term abortion laws there and reduce teen abortions. The measure covers 17 areas of abortion law meant to limit the number of abortions, give women more information and protect parental rights.

Mary Kay Culp, the director of Kansans for Life, told LifeNews.com she was pleased by the vote and expects final passage on Tuesday.

"Opponents tried repeatedly and failed repeatedly to kill this reasonable bill. We expect it to pass on final action tomorrow and will be working hard in the senate. Its about time Kansas women had the protections it offers --especially young women," Culp said.

Rep. Lance Kinzer is the prime sponsor of the bill that the House approved on a voice vote on Monday.

Kansas has been a hotbed of controversy with a Planned Parenthood center and a late-term abortion practitioner charged with violating the laws, and state officials accused of not holding them accountable.

The measure includes the Teen Protection Act, which the Kansas House approved in 2006 on a bipartisan vote. It goes after people who sexually abuse teenagers and take them for abortions to cover up their crimes.
As a result, the bill makes judges in parental notice bypass hearings become mandatory abuse reporters.

The measure also requires abortion businesses to check IDs of minors and companions, report child sexual abuse to state officials, report incest to law enforcement, and notify the custodial parent of a pregnant minor's intended abortion.

Kinzer's bill also includes a provision requiring abortion practitioners to allow women an opportunity to see an ultrasound of their unborn child -- something frequently left out of pre-abortion counseling sessions.

"A very good and limited late-term abortion law in the state of Kansas is not being followed and enforced," Kinzer said at a press conference in January when he unveiled the bill.