( CNN ) A new Kansas law banning a common second-term abortion procedure is the first of its kind in the United States . The law , signed by Kansas Gov . Sam Brownback on Tuesday , bans what it describes as `` dismemberment abortion '' and defines as `` knowingly dismembering a living unborn child and extracting such unborn child one piece at a time from the uterus . '' Supporters of the measure described it as a groundbreaking step , while opponents warned it was dangerous and among the most restrictive abortion laws in the country . The law does not spell out a specific time frame that limits when an abortion can occur , but it bans the dilation and evacuation abortion procedure commonly used during the second trimester of pregnancy . The law allows for the procedure if `` necessary to protect the life or health of the mother , '' according to a statement on Brownback 's website . On Twitter , Brownback , a Republican , said he was proud to sign a law `` protecting life at its most vulnerable stage . '' Planned Parenthood Advocates of Kansas and Mid-Missouri sharply criticized the move , which it described as the latest in a series of `` extreme political measures aimed at denying women access to health care and at undermining their decision-making ability . '' `` Kansas is now not only the sole state with this atrocious law ; it also now has more restrictions on abortion than any state in the U.S. , '' the advocacy group said in a Facebook post . Both sides appear to be prepared to take their battle over such measures to other states -- and to court . Carol Tobias , the president of National Right to Life , said in a statement that the Kansas law was the first of what her organization hopes `` will be many state laws . '' `` This law has the power to transform the landscape of abortion policy in the United States , '' she said . Julie Burkhart , CEO of Wichita-based South Wind Women 's Center , said on Twitter that the signing of the law marked a sad day for Kansas and the United States . `` This law puts women at risk and ties doctors ' hands , '' she said . `` We 'll continue to fight ! '' CNN 's Sam Stringer contributed to this report .
A new Kansas law bans what it describes as `` dismemberment abortion '' Supporters say it 's a groundbreaking step . Opponents say it 's dangerous and politically motivated .