History of Birthright in Hutchinson

Mary Jane Boyd and Judy Stevens were impressed with the miracle of life and wanted to do something. They wanted to help pregnant girls and women; educate and support them.  That’s when an article appeared in the Wichita newspaper about a new organization that had just been formed called Birthright. A non-sectarian, non-political organization that believed in a hands on approach to helping women carry their babies to term.  An organization that cares about women and their unborn babies. The services offered were free, nonjudgmental and confidential, and available to anyone in need.  That is what Birthright still does today. Mary Jane Boyd and Judy Stevens met with the director of Birthright in Wichita where they learned how to gain the support and donations needed to start Birthright in Hutchinson.

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Birthright of Hutchinson opened its doors in June, 1973 located in the basement of attorney Greg Dinges’ office.  Mr. Dinges believed it was a worthy cause and offered the basement rent free.  When Mr. Dinges’ office moved to 200 East 3rd, he brought Birthright with him. Birthright was given the office in the back of his building with a private entrance and remained at that location for 10 years.  

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In August of 1980 Birthright moved to one of Mr. Dinges’ rental homes located at 214 East 3rd with an agreement to pay rent of $128 a month with the option to purchase the house the following year.  Shortly after that Birthright became the proud owner of the house and still resides there today.  Birthright was blessed from the very beginning to have Mr. Greg Dinges step up and provide a place for Birthright, eventually giving us a permanent home.  They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and that is true with Mr. Greg Dinges Jr. who has served on the Birthright Board of Directors and continues to financially support Birthright.