County Struggles as Illegal Immigrant Pregnancies Rise

Posted: 4:27 PM Jul 21, 2007
Last Updated: 4:27 PM Jul 21, 2007

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP) Health workers in one central Kansas county say they could face higher costs as they deal with an increase in pregnancies among illegal immigrants.

The Junction City-Geary County Health Department said this week it is dealing with 20% more cases than normal.

The increased number of cases puts added pressure on the department because while social services will pay for delivering the children, who are U-S citizens, they don't cover prenatal care for the undocumented mother.

Physicians say a lack of prenatal care can cost more in the long-term because it can lead to serious health problems that require a hospital stay.

The department is talking to area doctors about providing basic prenatal care for low-income women who lack documentation.

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