Kansas Committee Hears Bill to Allow Child‑support Orders From Date of Conception

Chairwoman Humphreys opened a hearing Tuesday in the House Committee on Judiciary on House Bill 2062, which would allow courts to calculate child‑support obligations "from the date of conception" for an "unborn child" and cap support for an unborn child at the mother’s direct medical and pregnancy‑related expenses.

"House Bill 2062 provides for child support orders for unborn children from the date of conception," said Jason Thompson of the Revisor's Office during his bill brief. Thompson described the bill's principal changes to Kansas statutes, including an amendment to KSA 20‑165 to direct the Supreme Court when adopting child‑support guidelines to consider pregnancy‑related medical expenses and a change to the Kansas Parentage Act that expressly defines the term child to include an unborn child.

Supporters told the committee the change would reduce financial pressure on people facing unexpected pregnancies. "No woman should ever feel that abortion's her only option, and House Bill 2062 may help alleviate some of the financial stress a pregnant woman faces at a critical time for her and her child," said Jeanne Gowden, director of government relations for Kansans for Life.

Britney Jones, director of policy and engagement for Kansas Family Voice, said the bill "is a simple way to ensure that courts consider pregnancy related expenses, not just birth expenses, for a child support judgment." Jones emphasized the sponsors did not…