Family Forum / Parenting / Adoption / July 2004

MASSACHUSETTS

http://www.masslive.com/newsflash/mass/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1090442379
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'Safe haven' bill lands on Romney's desk
The Associated Press
7/21/2004, 4:33 p.m. ET

BOSTON (AP) -- A bill allowing new parents to safely leave infants with state
authorities rather than abandon them on doorsteps has made its way to the desk
of Gov. Mitt Romney, who is expected to sign it into law.

So-called "safe haven" laws designate places, including hospitals, fire
stations and police departments, where parents can anonymously leave a baby
within seven days of birth without facing legal repercussions.

State lawmakers have been considering such a law for years. But the recent case
of an infant abandoned on Martha's Vineyard drew increased attention to the
issue.

"Baby Vinnie" was left on the steps of a West Tisbury church last month, and
survived despite suffering from hypothermia and hypoxia, a shortage of oxygen,
when he was found. Another baby was found last week outside a Southampton fire
station and also survived despite hypothermia.

Supporters of safe haven laws say they protect children by easing the problem
of parents abandoning newborn children in unsafe locations. Opponents have
raised concerns that such a law would encourage child abandonment.

In the past four years, 13 babies have been abandoned in Massachusetts. In six
of those cases the baby died.

A spokeswoman for Romney said he supports the proposal and will likely sign the
bill.