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If You Are Pregnant Published by
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This publication was produced in compliance with K.S.A. 65-6708, known as the "Woman's Right-to-Know Act." The "Woman's Right-to-Know-Act" requires that the physician inform the woman of the following language. No person shall perform or induce an abortion when the fetus is viable unless such person is a physician and has documented referral from another physician not financially associated with the physician performing or inducing the abortion and both physicians determine that: (1) The abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman; or (2) the fetus is affected by a severe or life threatening deformity or abnormality. (K.S.A. 65-6709) This language, however, is no longer used to determine the legality of an abortion performed in accordance with K.S.A. 65-6703.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment acknowledges contributions for this publication from: Lennart Nilsson (in utero photographs used by permission, A Child is Born, Dell Publishing, 1990); drawings by Wesley Jerome Boyd and text excerpts from Abortion: Making a Decision, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. |
PLEASE NOTE:
K.S.A.
65-6701, known as the "Women's
Right-to-Know Act," requires that women seeking abortion
services in Kansas receive the following booklet.
"If You
Are Pregnant" at least 24 hours prior to an abortion procedure.
The booklet is provided here in electronic format.
Kansas law requires your doctor to tell you about the nature of the physical and emotional risks of both the abortion procedure and carrying a child to term. The doctor must tell you how long you have been pregnant and must give you a chance to ask questions and discuss your decision about the pregnancy carefully and privately.
This handbook offers some basic facts to help you make an informed decision about whether or not you want to have an abortion or carry the fetus to term. The information will tell you about normal human embryonic and fetal development and about the methods and risks of abortions and medical risks of childbirth.
The term embryo refers to a developing human from conception until the eighth week. An embryo becomes a fetus after the eighth week. Embryo and fetal ages in this handbook are listed from both the estimated date of conception and from the first day of the last normal menstrual period. Fetal lengths are measured from the top of the head to the rump.
A directory of services is also available. By calling or visiting the agencies and offices in the directory you can find out about alternatives to abortion, assistance to make an adoption plan for your baby, and/or locate public and private agencies that offer medical and financial help during pregnancy, during childbirth and while you are raising your child.
Furthermore, you should know:
It is unlawful for any individual to coerce you to undergo an abortion;
Any physician who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fails to provide informed consent prior to performing an abortion may be guilty of unprofessional conduct;
You are not required to pay any amount for the abortion procedure until the 24-hour waiting period has expired;
The father of your child is legally responsible to assist in the support of the child, even in instances where he has offered to pay for an abortion; and
The law permits adoptive parents to pay costs of prenatal care, childbirth and neonatal care.
"Many public and private agencies exist to provide counseling and information on available services. You are strongly urged to seek their assistance to obtain guidance during your pregnancy. In addition, you are encouraged to seek information on abortion services, alternatives to abortion, including adoption, and resources available to postpartum mothers. The law requires that your physician or the physician's agent provide the enclosed information." (K.S.A. 65-6701 et. seq.)
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Last modified: 05/04/08 09:15:45 AM |
