Do Safe Havens laws encourage irresponsible behavior?
No. This legislation encourages the parent to act responsibly by providing a safe alternative to baby abandonment, in effect saving the life of the newborn. Safe havens bills provide a way for individuals unwilling or unable to care for their babies to leave their child with care givers who can provide the baby proper medical and other care. In the states and areas that have safe havens’ campaigns and have passed legislation, preliminary reports show a decline in the number of infants abandoned and left to die. Safe havens programs can save lives of two potential victims — the defenseless newborn, as well as a parent who could be making a tragic decision. This legislation will help distraught parents know that help is available. What Can You Do: • Support passage of the Safe Havens Support Act of 2001 introduced in the House on May 25, 2001 with significant bi-partisan support. The bill is now being reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee. Call the members of the Committee and urge t
