Kansas is trying to force a man who donated sperm to a lesbian couple to pay child support.

William Marotta and the two women signed an agreement they believed released him from all parental duties. But the state argues the agreement is invalid because they didn’t go through a doctor for the artificial insemination.

Kansas law says a doctor’s involvement shields a man from being held responsible for a child conceived through the procedure. The state says at least 10 other states have similar laws.

The state says that means Marotta, who lives in Topeka, can be held responsible for about $6,000 that the child’s biological mother received through public assistance as well as future child support.

Marotta wants the case dismissed. A hearing is Tuesday.