[Printer Friendly Version]   [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]

WEEKLY NEWS 1: Mother Gives Up Newborn

On Wednesday, August 20, 2003, a mother gave up her newborn baby to a Chicago, Illinois hospital. Why? Because she wasn't able to properly care for it.

Officials are praising the mother for her wise choice. Illinois recently implemented a "safe haven" law. This means that parents can drop off a newborn baby at a safe location, like a hospital or fire station. The parents won't face any type of prosecution, and they can leave the baby anonymously.

The "safe haven" law was enacted in August 2001, and this is the fourth baby to be dropped off since that time. According to the law, known as The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, a parent can turn over an unharmed newborn. The baby must be less than 72 hours old, and it can be turned in to any hospital, emergency health facility or fire station that is manned 24 hours a day.

Officials are happy that the mother acted in such a responsible manner. The law was created to try and prevent parents from abandoning infants in places that could cause the baby harm. Leaving the baby in places where medical help is available ensures that the infant will receive proper care.

The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation helps raise awareness of this law in Illinois. They are dedicated to saving the lives of newborns that might otherwise be unsafely abandoned.

--Written by Carla Shives

Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!

Read WEEKLY NEWS 2: $6.5 Million Awarded in Scholarships