A recently established pro-life network is preparing to oversee the allocation of the inaugural $2 million budget for Kansas' newly introduced "Alternatives to Abortion" program, which is backed by the state government.

The state treasurer's office announced in a press release last week that they had chosen a Kansas-based nonprofit organization, the Kansas Pregnancy Care Network (KPCN), to administer the program. KPCN was selected from the three eligible bids submitted to the Department of Administration, and notably, it was the only qualified bid from a Kansas-based entity.

Tim Huelskamp, who serves as the president of KPCN's board of directors, shared a personal connection to the cause, revealing that he and his family have adopted four children. He expressed his hope that the program would encourage more women to choose life for their unborn babies.

Huelskamp explained that the program primarily offers social services with a material focus, such as providing pregnant women and mothers with access to essentials like food, diapers, counseling, and other nonmedical resources. He emphasized that there is no medical component to the program.

The idea for the Alternatives to Abortion program took shape during legislative discussions, with many wondering who would run the nonprofit to implement it. Seeing the need, Huelskamp and others quickly formed a board of directors and successfully secured the contract.

Huelskamp highlighted that each member of the board has a long history of pro-life activism, including involvement with pregnancy resource centers and legislative efforts.

The state will disburse public funding to KPCN in quarterly installments, and KPCN's directors will then distribute the funds to qualified subcontractors engaged in pro-life work. Huelskamp explained that a certification process ensures that all organizations involved are pro-life.

The program's most common services include counseling, education, and material assistance. Subcontractors will submit reports and invoices based on the support they provide to their clients, and funds will be allocated accordingly.

KPCN anticipates having up to 60 subcontractors working toward the program's objectives. The program is heavily influenced by Texas's Alternatives to Abortion plan, incorporating elements like confidentiality and conscience protections.

Huelskamp addressed concerns about faith-based organizations receiving government funding, assuring that the program's subcontract terms clearly state that participating organizations cannot provide abortion services, mitigating potential conflicts with religious beliefs.

Texas has had its own Alternatives to Abortion program since 2006-2007, with a budget that recently exceeded $100 million. Texas' program comprises a statewide network of 80 subcontractors with numerous physical locations and mobile units throughout the state. Services provided by these organizations include counseling, mentoring, education, material support, care coordination, and various support services.

Huelskamp expressed gratitude to the Legislature for collaborating with pregnancy resource centers and encouraged potential subcontractors to continue their vital work.

Huelskamp and KPCN are enthusiastic about the opportunity to implement the Alternatives to Abortion program in Kansas and expand the network of support for pregnant women and mothers in need.