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Minutes for HB2789 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Establishing the pregnancy compassion program to provide resources and promote childbirth to women facing unplanned pregnancies, establishing the pregnancy compassion awareness program to promote public awareness of available resources; appropriating $4,000,000 per year from the state general fund toward such program and establishing a fee on the In God We Trust and the choose life license plates and using such fees to provide additional revenue for such program.
Minutes Content for Fri, Feb 16, 2024
Jeanne Gawdun, Director of Government Relations, Kansans for Life, provided testimony in support of HB2789 (Attachment 1). HB2789 codifies and renames the newly established Alternatives to Abortion Program funding to the Pregnancy Compassion Act. The legislation would increase funding for the program providing services through Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC), maternity homes, and adoption agencies to woman facing unplanned pregnancies. There are over 50 PRCs, maternity homes and adoption agencies in Kansas. The services provided by PRCs were reviewed. Maternity homes assist homeless women facing unexpected pregnancy and provide them with a safe place to live. PRCs provide social services. Many provide medical services. PRCs do not profit from any decision a woman makes about her pregnancy.
Ms. Gawdun responded to questions from the committee.
Lucrecia Nold, Public Policy Specialist, Kansas Catholic Conference, provided testimony in support of HB2789 (Attachment 2). PRCs and maternity homes throughout the state offer supportive, non-judgmental options for women who find themselves overwhelmed and scared. A list of service and items provided to the women was reviewed. These services and items are provided at no expense to the expecting or new mother and are provided through the generosity of charitable givers. The need for PRC services is growing even as Kansas is becoming a greater destination for abortion.
Ms. Nold responded to questions from the committee.
Donna Kelsey, Executive Director, Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic (KCPC), provided testimony in support of HB2789 (Attachment 3). KCPC has served as a pilot for implementation of the current A2A program. In 2023 KCPC served 480 new clients and 580 returning clients. 3,106 services were provided including 895 ultrasounds. The clinic serves the poorest of the poor in the inner cities of Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri. Bilingual staff have been added. Approximately 30% of the clients come from Missouri. KDHE is beginning the process for the center to become a Qualified Entity that will give the capacity to determine if a client can obtain Presumptive Eligibility for KanCare. If a client does qualify, documentation will be issued immediately so that it can be taken to a Medicaid provider to obtain maternal and prenatal care coverage. There are plans to open a second location.
Ms. Kelsey responded to questions from the committee.
Bridget Smith, CEO, Insight Women's Clinic, provided testimony in support of HB2789 (Attachment 4). For two decades the center in Lawrence has been a beacon of support, offering a sanctuary, essential medical services and encouragement to individuals dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Services are always free. The center has over 300 donors. Ms. Smith shared stories about college students who came to the center.
Ms. Smith responded to questions from the committee.
Cateline Curnes, House Director, Selah Home, provided testimony in support of HB2789 (Attachment 5). Selah House is a maternity home to allow women the option of stable housing so they would not feel forced into a decision to terminate their pregnancy when they did not want to. The home receives referral from many agencies. These women have nowhere to go. The reasons are numerous. The program aims to provide a safe, Christ-centered residence where pregnant women and their children can grow physically, spiritually and emotionally. This is done through a wraparound approach. The residents must agree to follow rules and policies including drug testing and receiving health benefits. The home has 24/7 staffing to assist the residents.
Ms. Curnes responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided written only testimony in support of the bill:
Brittany Jones, Director of Policy and Engagement, Kansas Family Voice (Attachment 6)
Dr. Melissa Colburn, Medical Director, Mary's Choice (Attachment 7)
Cheryl Bernard, A Better Choice (Attachment 8)
Donna Swagger, Board Member Emeritus, Hope's Place Pregnancy and Family Support Center (Attachment 9)
Cindi Lyddon, Executive Director, Grace Place Pregnancy Care Center (Attachment 10) (Attachment 11)
Jill O'Connor, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
