Over the past four months, four dead infants have been found in the Traverse City area alone. One body was found in a dumpster, one in a back yard, one in a basement, one in a backpack. In each case, the mothers have been identified. Criminal investigations have been launched and in some cases, charges are pending.
In May 2010, I wrote about Michigan Safe Delivery of Newborns Act that allows mothers to drop off newborn infants anonymously at hospitals, fire departments, police stations. No questions are asked. In the wake of two recent news reports in the Record Eagle of infants who have been abandoned / who have died, I feel that we are not doing a good enough job in getting information to young mothers who need help. I am compelled to plead with young moms who feel that they have no other options. Choose adoption, not abandonment, infant death and prison time. You'll have a brighter future and so will your child. There are people out there to help you and your baby. No names. No judgmental attitudes. Please see the important information below.
Here are the state laws for each of the 50 states in the US. All have "Safe Haven" laws allowing moms to take their infants to places where they can safely and anonymously be surrendered for care. Here is a website with contact information for all mothers feeling overwhelmed and without choice. You'll learn who to call and where to safely drop off your baby and walk away. Confidential. No blame. Here are two more short (30 second) YouTube videos to help you help your baby:
Record Eagle articles: Traverse City Woman Faces charges (involuntary manslaugther in newborn's death) September 9, 2010 "Dead Baby Found in Backpack," September 9, 2010
October 1, 2010 Traverse City Record Eagle Op-Ed Young parents must know state law gives them options.
Also, consider giving the child to his/her father. Men, as well as women, can be very capable parents.
Posted by: Doug Dante | September 10, 2010 at 08:41 AM