By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON
Special to Hays Post
Kansans for Life is bringing a traveling memorial exhibit to Hays on Monday, Sept. 22, and is seeking volunteers to help with the event that day.
Father Andy Hammeke, chaplain at Comeau Catholic Campus Center in Hays, said in a news release that about 50 volunteers are needed. The exhibit, called “Aftermath,” will have 19,467 models of babies on display.
This was the number of babies aborted in Kansas in 2023, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Vital Statistics Report, which was published in December 2024, the most recent report available. This number represents a 58 percent increase from 2022 and a 148 percent increase from 2021, according to the report.
The exhibit will be on display at the Hays Downtown Pavilion, 117 E. 10th St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22.
“Sometimes when we hear how many abortions have taken place, the number is hard to comprehend. But a good image can help make the numbers strike closer to home,” Hammeke said. “These won't be bloody images or images of dead babies. Simply lots and lots of baby models.” The exhibit is suitable for fifth graders and older, he said.
The exhibit will also provide pro-life information, including resources for women who have had an abortion. In addition to Hays, the exhibit will be traveling to 11 other Kansas cities.
According to the website, volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the exhibit, greet visitors, and staff the information table. Volunteers may get more information and sign up at aftermathks.com.