(a) If a convict under sentence of death appears to be pregnant or alleges to be pregnant, the person having custody of the convict shall notify the secretary of corrections. The secretary shall designate one or more licensed physicians to examine the convict to determine if the convict is pregnant. If the convict is not pregnant, the execution shall be carried out as previously ordered. If the convict is pregnant, the secretary of corrections shall notify the clerk of the supreme court. Upon receipt of the notice, the supreme court shall issue to the secretary of corrections a warrant under seal of the supreme court postponing the execution of the sentence of death. A copy of the warrant shall be delivered to the secretary of corrections and the clerk of the district court.

(b) When the execution of a sentence of death is postponed because of pregnancy, the secretary of corrections shall wait until the child is born or the pregnancy is otherwise terminated and then the secretary shall notify the clerk of the supreme court of the birth of the child or termination of the pregnancy. Upon receipt of the notice, the supreme court shall issue to the secretary of corrections a warrant under seal of the supreme court, commanding the secretary or a warden designated pursuant to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 22-4001, and amendments thereto, to proceed to carry out the sentence of execution during the week designated by the supreme court. A copy of the warrant shall be delivered to the secretary of corrections and the clerk of the district court. At any time during the postponement of the execution, the secretary may order an examination as provided in this section to determine whether the convict remains pregnant. The costs of each medical examination conducted pursuant to this section shall be paid by the county where the case originated.