Safe Haven Laws
The designated locations where a parent can leave a newborn varies among the states with safe haven laws. In some states, babies can only be left at hospital emergency rooms. Other states allow newborns to be left at fire stations and police stations as well.
The age of babies covered by the laws also varies greatly from state to state. Some states will only accept newborns up to three days old. The age of the child can even be as great as one year in North Dakota.
Safe haven laws were developed to save lives. Unfortunately, babies have died after being abandoned by mothers not ready to take responsibility for a child. While it may not be overly common, one child is one too many. If the law acts as intended, these same women may be more likely to leave their children in a safe place. Then, the baby gets an opportunity for life and the mother cannot be held legally responsible for abandonment.
Great debate exists over the morality of safe haven laws. Those opposed argue that the laws are unfair to fathers who would be willing to assume responsibility for the child. Others argue that the mothers may need psychological help, but will not receive it because the laws allow the mothers to remain anonymous. While valid arguments, the safety of the children should be of the utmost importance.
The biggest problem with safe haven laws is many of the mothers who are likely to abandon their children do not know of these laws. Most mature, expectant mothers have heard about these laws. However, scared, pregnant teens who receive no prenatal care may not even know these laws exist.
In order for these laws to effectively reduce the number of newborn deaths due to abandonment, society must educate those expectant mothers most at risk. These laws, and the specifications within the laws, should be general knowledge to everyone.
Some states have begun to advertise the laws with billboards and television ads. Other states need to follow the lead. When those mothers that are most at risk for abandoning their children know of the laws, then the laws can effectively safe lives.
To find out about the safe haven laws in your state, see the website listed in the additional resources area below.
Published by Ms. Wettin
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3 Comments
Post a CommentExcellent article on a very emotive topic.
This is a very informative article. It would be great if chlidren were never abandoned, but if they are going to be, I hope the parents would consider safe havens.
This is great information to know. I agree that most of the woman who abandon their babies do not know about these laws. This article will be of much benefit to those woman who wish to abandon their babies. Great article.