Topeka (WIBW) - Kansas Attorney General Steve Six wants new mothers to know they have options.

Six is working with the Kansas Child Death Review Board to raise awareness of the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act.

The Attorney General’s Office says it's recently handled several cases involving new mothers who killed their newborns. In one such case, a woman was convicted of killing her newborn son shortly after his birth in 2008. Other cases are ongoing.

The AG's office says the cases often involve similar circumstances, such as an unplanned pregnancy that's hidden from family and friends.

“Prosecuting these tragic acts is required, but working to prevent these tragedies is critical,” Six said. “Women and their families and friends should be aware of the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act.”

Six says the law is meant to ensure unwanted infants are left with people who can provide the immediate care needed for their safety and well-being.

The Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act (K.S.A. 38-2282) became law in January 2007. The law allows a parent—or other person having lawful custody—to surrender the infant to any employee who is on duty at a fire station, city or county health department, or medical care facility. The infant must be 45 days or younger.

In addition, K.S.A. 21-3604 (b) protects parents or other persons having lawful custody of the infant from prosecution for abandonment of a child, if they surrender custody in the manner provided by K.S.A 38-2282, and if such infant has not suffered bodily harm.

Health care professional working with women in crisis pregnancies are encouraged to share the guidelines of the Newborn Infant Protection Act as an option to keep infants safe.