Kansas Gov. Brownback stages weird 're-enactments' of himself signing anti-abortion bill

Republican Kansas Governor Sam Brownback promoted a bill banning a rare abortion procedure by holding four different re-enactment ceremonies of himself signing it around the state, Think Progress reported.

Brownback held the ceremonies at three different Catholic high schools, as well as a Catholic church education building, touting his approval of Senate Bill 95. The measure prevents women from undergoing a second-trimester procedure known as dilation and evacuation, which is used in about 8 percent of abortions in the state. Opponents have described the procedure as "dismemberment abortions."

"I am profoundly disappointed that Governor Brownback has chosen to hold a publicity tour for this reprehensible law," South Wind Womens' Center head Julie Burkhart said in a statement. "Reenacting this bill signing in front of children is not only a publicity stunt, but also spreads hate and disrespect."

According to WDAF-TV, the only exception under the new law would apply to women who are "near death in the operating room."

Meanwhile, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt is reportedly enlisting lawmakers' help to defend the bill in court after it takes effect on July 1. The Associated Press reported that Schmidt estimated needing up to $450,000 over the next two fiscal years, including $50,000 by the end of June.

Watch WDAF's report, as aired on Tuesday, below.