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The decision to have an abortion, have a baby or make an
adoption plan, must be carefully considered. There are lists of state, county
and local health and social service agencies and organizations available to
assist you. You are encouraged to contact these groups if you need more
information so you can make an informed decision.
Individuals may call the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment's toll free line at 1-888-744-4825 to receive a copy of this
handbook, "If You are Pregnant"
and information regarding the services available. Service providers (e.g.,
physicians, hospitals, abortion clinics) may obtain copies and certification
forms by calling toll free 1-888-744-4825.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 1005
Topeka, Kansas 66612-1290
Toll Free 1-888-744-4825
November 1997
INTRODUCTION
This document was published by the Kansas Department of
Health and Environment, Bureau for Children, Youth and Families, 900 S.W.
Jackson, Topeka, KS 66612-1290, toll-free 1-888-744-4825. It was published in
compliance with the amendments to K.S.A. 65-6701,
known as the "Woman's Right-to-Know Act," as published in the Kansas 1997
Session Laws, Chapter 10. This directory is published for informational purposes
only. The State of Kansas does not necessarily endorse the agencies listed
herein and does not directly or indirectly promote, exclude or discourage the
use of any agency or service in this directory.
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.
"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 post-partum mothers. The law
requires that your physician or the physician's agent provide the enclosed
information." K.S.A. 65-6701 as amended and published
in the Kansas 1997 Session Laws, Chapter 10.
KANSAS LAW
It is unlawful for any individual to coerce a woman to
undergo an abortion;
Any physician who performs an abortion upon a woman without
her informed consent may be liable to her for damages;
Kansas law permits adoptive parents to pay costs of prenatal
care, childbirth and neonatal care.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS FOR PRENATAL CARE, CHILDBIRTH
AND NEONATAL CARE
You may or may not qualify for financial help for prenatal
(pregnancy), childbirth and neonatal (newborn) care, depending on your income.
If you qualify, programs such as the state's medical assistance program, called
Medicaid, will pay or help pay the cost of doctor, clinic, hospital and other
related medical expenses to help you with prenatal care, childbirth delivery
services and care for your newborn baby. Contact the health department and the
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services offices in your county.
THE FATHER'S RESPONSIBILITY
The father of a child has a legal responsibility to provide
for the support, educational, medical and other needs of that child. In Kansas
that responsibility includes child support payments to the child's mother or
legal guardian. A child has rights of inheritance from their father and may be
eligible through him for benefits such as life insurance, Social Security,
pension, veteran's or disability benefits. Further, the child benefits from
knowing the father's medical history and any potential health problems that can
be passed genetically.
Paternity can be established in Kansas by two methods:
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The father and mother, at the time of birth, can sign
forms provided by the hospital acknowledging paternity and the father's name
is added to the birth certificate.
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A legal action can be brought in a court of law to
determine paternity and establish a child support order.
Issues of paternity effect your legal rights and the rights
of the child. More information concerning paternity establishment and child
support may be obtained from any regional office of the Kansas Department of
Social and Rehabilitation Services, Division of Child Support Enforcement.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Individuals may call the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment's toll free line at 1-888-744-4825 to receive a copy of this
directory or of the handbook, "If You are Pregnant."
Service providers (e.g., physicians, hospitals, abortion clinics) may obtain
copies and certification forms by calling toll free 1-888-744-4825.
If You Are Pregnant:
Directory of Available Services
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