TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have approved a proposed ban on a common second-trimester procedure described by abortion opponents as dismembering a fetus.

Activists on both sides said Kansas is the first in the nation to have legislators pass such a ban, which was model legislation written by the National Right to Life Committee.

The House voted 98-26 to outlaw the dilation and evacuation procedure. The procedure is used in about 8 percent of all abortions in Kansas.

The Senate approved the measure last month, so it goes to Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. He has promised to sign it.

Abortion foes call the procedure gruesome. Abortion rights supporters say it’s often the safest way for a woman terminating a pregnancy.