A report from the Washington Post today highlighted once again the need for more publicity about state laws providing options for mothers who feel that they cannot keep a newborn. Rather than throwing the baby into a trash bin or abandoning it in the open where it will surely die, many states have enacted laws that give mothers the option of to remain anonymous when they abandon an infant. These laws are generally called the "Safe Delivery of Newborns" law. The option is available to leave the infant in a safe place at a fire department or a hospital without being charged with any crime.
A baby found yesterday by a youngster in Indiana was wrapped in a black towel and thrown under a bush. Part of the umbilical cord was still attached. The cord and the infant were covered in maggots. The infant was exposed to summer heat and sunlight. Sadly, the mother did not know about the special temperature controlled safe place where she could have left the infant. To see the safe method by which a child can be left, see the Washington Post article here.
An earlier post on this blog discusses the specifics of Michigan's Safe Delivery of Newborns Act.
