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SAFE HAVEN
Unfortunately, the problem of new mothers abandoning their babies, typically in unsafe places where they may not be found, is not uncommon.
Although the exact numbers are not known, a survey of the HHS Administration for Children and Families found that 65 babies were abandoned in public places in 1991 and 105 in 1998. They also found that 8 of those infants were found dead in 1991, which increased to 33 in 1998.
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Abandoned Babies: "Safe Haven" Legislation
Background:
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105 babies abandoned in public places,
31,000 babies left in hospitals
(source: Senate Report: Topics of Legislative Interest May/June 2000) |
Texas became first state to enact "safe haven" law in 1999 Currently, 37 states have some form of safe haven legislation
Intent is to decrease # of babies left in dangerous situations.
YOUR BABY DESERVES TO BE SAFE |
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Some of the problems with the Safe Haven Laws.
Abandoned Babies: "Safe Haven" Legislation
Controversial?
- Laws don't address underlying problems of poverty, social isolation, misinformation, lack of services
- Fathers - notice & opportunity to respond
- Few states mandate counseling
- Statistics haven't shown significant success
- Guarantee of anonymity for mother robs child of right to know medical history
- Problem of proving that person who drops child off is biological mother
- Emphasis should be on education, especially for young, unwed women facing pregnancy
- Many laws are unclear about procedural rights when woman changes her mind, is unfair to parents and babies
WE MUST STAND UP FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE IS RIGHT
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