[raybuffer]

OPPOSE HB 104

E-MAIL, CALL, AND FAX the New Hampshire Senate Committee on Public Institutions, Health & Human Services TODAY and urge them to VOTE NO to HB 104, the latest attempt to bring legalized baby dumping to New Hampshire.

This bill will be heard on Tuesday, March 18th. HB-104 has already been passed in the House of Representatives.

Baby Dump legislation is a feel-good band-aid for legislators who want to address the problem of newborn abandonment. However, legalizing anonymous baby dumping isn't the answer. These laws encourage irresponsibility and threaten the lives of infants and their mothers who may be encouraged to give birth without medical attention. They also strip the abandoned infants of their identities and provide no recourse for fathers or other
family members who may not be aware of the infant's existence. There is no evidence that these laws are working in any of the states where they have been implemented. Legalizing an irresponsible, potentially dangerous, and unethical act is not the answer! The prestigious Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute issued a report on March 10th, "Unintended Consequences: New Study Raises Serious Concerns About Legalized Infant
Abandonment," This report casts serious doubts upon the so-called "safe haven" laws that have swept across the country. The study suggests that these laws not only do not solve the problem of unsafe infant abandonment, but they may actually encourage women to conceal pregnancies and then abandon infants who otherwise would have been placed for adoption through established legal procedures or being raised by relatives

Read the full text at
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legi...03/HB0104.html

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE SENATE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE



Sen. Andre' Martel, Chairman

andre.martel@leg.state.nh.us

237 Riverdale Avenue

Manchester, NH 03103-7301

(H) (603)622-8411



Sen. Robert Boyce , Vice Chairman

senatorboyce@metrocast.net

Star Route W #113

Alton Bay, NH 03810-9713

(H) (603)875-7371



Sen. Iris Estabrook

irisestabrook@leg.state.nh.us

8 Burnham Avenue

Durham, NH 03824-3011

(H) (603)868-5524



Sen. Joseph Kenney

joe.kenney@leg.state.nh.us

PO Box 201

Union, NH 03887-0201

(H) (603)473-2569



Sen. Jane O'Hearn

jane.ohearn@leg.state.nh.us

7 Pope Circle

Nashua, NH 03063-3307

(H) (603)889-6036

(O) (603)271-3041



RAPID E-MAIL CUT AND PASTE FOR SENATORS:



jane.ohearn@leg.state.nh.us; joe.kenney@leg.state.nh.us;

irisestabrook@leg.state.nh.us; senatorboyce@metrocast.net;

andre.martel@leg.state.nh.us

==============================
Ray Buffer

www.raybuffer.com
www.adoptee.2ya.com

Director
Adoptees Caucus for Truth (ACT)
http://act.vze.com

Board Member and Registry Owner
Florida Search Network
www.floridasearchnetwork.web1000.com/
www.reunion.vze.com

Moderator
Adoptee Activists
www.activist.vze.com

SIGN THIS PETITION: http://obc.2ya.com

[londar]

i support many of your posts but not this one. how dare anyone critisize someone for wanting to not kill their child.
i have one question do you support abortion also??

[hope21]

Before you sign this petition you have heard just one negative and in my opinion inaccurate explanation of this law.

I completely disagree with Ray's petition. A women who uses the protection of the Safe Haven law is someone who did not make a plan for their baby before its birth for whatever reason and absolutely does not think they can offer the baby a good life. Generally they will abandon the child in some way and this is why there are babies found dead in trash cans. The law offers them a chance to easily free themselves from the child while giving it the best chance for staying alive and receiving medical care. The babies are kept and checked over and when ready they are then sent to foster care while Child services finds a home for them which in all honesty for a newborn is not going ot be too difficult. In the states where this law has been implemented they have found that the amount of infants found DEAD has decreased. [This in no way is meant any offense to the caring birthmom's around here as the situations are completly incomparable]

Its your decision but I believe that this is one of the best laws that has come along in a long time!

[dl]

Completely agree that there are alot of problems with this. What I find interesting is that someone that speaks so much of the bmothers love for her child would think that this is a lesser alternative than abortion. At least in this situation, the child lives. Granted there is minimal hope of the child knowing it's biological heritage, but it would at least be alive. To me, women that might take advantage of this "Safe Haven Law" for the most part do not have the support of the bfather. So to ask, "what about the father" is most likely a mute point. If these women had any support at all, they most likely would not need to take advantage of the Safe Haven aspect.

[KristieMaureen]

Does anyone have solid information on how many infants have been saved by Safe Haven laws? And no, that isn't the number of infants who have been anonymously abandoned at approved sites.

The answer to this question lies in the answer to a deeper question: of the infants anonymously abandoned at approved sites, how many would have been dumped in an unsafe location had these laws not been enacted? I'd argue that it's not 100%.

My concern with Safe Haven laws is that we're assuming the capacity for rational thought in individuals who obviously aren't thinking rationally. She most likely didn't tell anyone she was pregnant, she doesn't want anyone to know she gave birth, and she definitely doesn't want any trail to lead back to her. It's a decision about HER, not about the CHILD.

Knowing this, why would we assume that she would think the action through and find a "safe" place? If that was the case, why aren't more infants anonymously abandoned on the doorstep of some wealthy persons house instead of in dumpsters?

My second concern is that we're somehow promoting irresponsible behavior in people who would otherwise choose a responsible, already established option - legal adoption. Are we encouraging women who would have chosen adoption to instead dump their infants?

Data on this is all difficult, if not impossible, to gather of course.

"If even one infant is saved, this law has done its job" - something posed by supporters of such legislation.

Another angle - "If even one woman changes her mind about placing her child for adoption and instead chooses anonymous abandonment, then this legislation has undone the job of all previous legislation that tried to put the best interests of the child first".

[sweetnoodle]

Safe Haven laws are a reaction against criminal behavior that has become more widely heard of thanks to the media.

Of course babies were abandoned in the past. Of course, children were disposed of in the past. We just didn't know or hear of it as much.

Didn't abandonment used to be considered negligent at the least, and killing an already born child found in a trash can or bathroom, either manslaughter or murder depending on the circumstances?

Who started this safe haven law first? I want to know. It disgusts me. Someone accurately stated, in my opinion, that the issue is that a pregnant woman did not make a plan for the baby.

Isn't that the issue? I think it is. And since when is the mother's failure to plan an excuse for ruining any chance that child has for access to future information and due legal process through legalized adoption?

I'm sorry, but I am so mad about this topic I could spit nails. Sometime, somewhere, no matter what the age, maturity level or emotionally stability of the mother, can't someone just concede that we are supposed to be responsible human beings and do the right thing?

And why is someone trying to bring up the abortion issue? That brings up that age old argument that adoptees should be thankful they weren't aborted but adopted. Now we want to say we should be thankful we were abandoned, not aborted? Yeah right. Thanks so much.

[LilOne]

With the safe haven law, either "parent" can "dump" the child at a 'safe haven"....Sooo what about those "parents" that are certain their young child cannot parent..what would stop them from "getting rid" of the child? what about those that abandon due to panic and then suddenly change their mind ( I have read in some states that have enacted this law there is a few day time restraint that the parent can come back and change their mind) but would CPS or DSS come and step into the picture and terminate those rights anyway?


there are way too many loopholes and uncertainties about this law for it to be set in stone and for those that support it to say without a doubt it's a sure thing. Some states have even stated that it has really changed nothing...If one is in panic, do you really think they are going to have the rational that "oh...wait...where is the safe haven around here for me to dump this child" "hmmm let me get a phone book and check out where the local hospital,police station etc is"

Also from my understanding it can only "legally" be done for up till the child is five days of age...Well what about those that find that they cannot cope say...2 weeks after the fact? 2 months after the fact? BUT cannot go through the shame, the stigma etc of adoption?

Again, too many loopholes and not enough 'help" concerning this law at all...so in my opinion it gets a defiente thumbs down!!



Lisa

[Rayma]

Some women and girls don't tell the father that she is pregant. Now with the adoption laws the father must sign the adoption papers as well. In an adoption case the father can refuse to give up his child and get full custady of his child. And the bmom can still sign her rights away, so he's futcher or curaint wife can adopt his chid. But under safe haven laws he has no choise in the matter.

[DotHeff]

We should take a look at what it is as a society that coerces women into abandoning motherhood. Why are these mothers giving up hope that they can parent? What circumstances in their lives have made the thought of motherhood unacceptable?

Adoptive mothers can get very caught up in the moment when it comes to "baby dumping". It's important to step outside of the comfort zone and see the bigger picture.

I am a hopeful adoptive mother. I actively support a woman's right to choose abortion. I believe that reproductive freedom is the cornerstone of women gaining a voice in America. I also believe that as a society we need to reexamine what it is about our society that makes young women feel they are unable to care for their children.

I do not believe that adoption activism and abortion activism are diametrically opposed. I believe that they are both expressions of the reproductive freedoms that women and our society as a whole have benefited from in the last 30 years.

As for the paternity issue, the father of the abandoned infant most likely abandoned his responsibilities long before the mother considered leaving her child.

This law started in TX after a rash of 13 baby abandonments in Houston over the course of 10 months.

Excellent article that explains the pros and cons of the safe haven law is located at:

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20011009.html

[sweetnoodle]

With all due respect, the comment:

"As for the paternity issue, the father of the abandoned infant most likely abandoned his responsibilities long before the mother considered leaving her child."

is way too broad of a generalization. It may not be pertinent to this thread to discuss it, but it may be. These forums have taught me that there are a few good men who care. I submit that many birthfathers do not know of the pregnancy. As woman's rights advance, is it at the expense of men's rights?

[DotHeff]

This topic sparked a heated debate between my husband and me. He was most alarmed by the law's lack of accountability and the surrender of infants without the father's knowledge. I do believe that lack of involvement and both financial and emotional support from the father is a primary impetus for infant abandonment, however, you are right in that I made a generalization. My niece’s birth father is very involved, and requests photos every father's day and sends letters on a regular basis. My niece was also not abandoned, rather, she was placed with an agency and he relinquished his rights accordingly.

When we discuss infant abandonment, it is also important to keep in mind that this is a phenomenon that occurs very infrequently. In 1998, for instance, 105 infants were abandoned in public places in the whole of the US.

As women's rights advance it is in spite of men's rights, not at their expense. Men have had the right to abandon their children since the dawn of time, with no repercussions until the last part of the 20th century. Why is it so controversial to afford women the same liberty?

[Sharon]

Here are some links I came across for anyone seeking more information on child abandonment statistics and the Safe Haven laws. 1) Fact Sheet - Boarder Babies, Abandoned Infants, and Discarded Infants
(July 2002) <http://aia.berkeley.edu/pubs/BoarderDefs.htm>

2) Expediting Permanency for Abandoned Infants: Guidelines for State
Policies and Procedures (2002) <http://aia.berkeley.edu/projects/perm.htm>

3) The Child Welfare of America has some good information, including an FAQ
and a brief monograph on the issue. Online: <http://www.cwla.org/programs/baby/>

4) The US DHHS published a summary of statistics, "1998 National Estimates
of the Number of Boarder Babies, Abandoned Infants and Discarded Infants."
The report is available through the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse
and Neglect Information: <http://www.calib.com/nccanch/catalog/pop.cfm>.

However, the basic information from this report is presented in "Boarder
Babies, Abandoned Infants, and Discarded Infants (July 2002)."

A few other suggestions:

1) A large collection of information, internet links to "Safe Haven"
organizations, and internet links to numerous news articles can be found
through the International Association of Voluntary Adoption Agencies &
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) -
<http://www.iavaan.org/Safe_Haven.htm>

2) A list of all of the states that have passed "Safe Haven" laws can be
found on the National Conference of State Legislatures web site. They
have, perhaps, the best and most recent information. Online:
<http://www.ncsl.org/programs/cyf/AILaws.htm>

3) An interesting article regarding this issue is available at
- The Drive to Enact 'Infant Abandonment' Laws--A Rush to Judgment?
By Cynthia Dailard <http://www.agi-usa.org/pubs/journals/gr030401.html>

4) An objection to "Safe Haven" laws can be found from the American
Adoption Congress: <http://www.americanadoptioncongress....-abandoned.htm>.

There are no national statistics on the success or
failure of "safe haven" laws. Perhaps such information is being tracked
locally. You could try contacting the Child Protective Services office or
Health and Human Services organizations is states with such laws.



Hopefully this will give all of us a clearer idea of what we're dealing with here. Sincerely, Sharon

[sweetnoodle]

Sharon,
you know what? Your idea to contact local authorities and start tracking from the bottom up is a great idea. It is also one that can work. City to City, County to County. If no one else has the stats-- we can. And then our elected officials will listen to us.
Thanks!!!

[raybuffer]

I would encourage everyone interested in this topic to subscribe to the email newsletter reprinted below by Marley Greiner
by contacting: maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net

BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE, SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION AND RELATED ISSUES

DOUBLE ISSUE:
July 6 , 2003, v3, #26-#27
Distributed weekly by:
Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation


Disclaimer: Some newspapers keep articles on 7 or 14 day (or even less) free access and then forward them to paid archives. The easiest way to access these articles is to go to
www.newspapers.com or
www.ipl.org

Also go to Google News
http://news.google.com/

All links are tested just before sending.

THANKS: Marla, Jean Morrisey, Roberta, Janet, Cyn, Marlena, Mike, Pat L, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, IAVAAN

THIS WEEK: Safe Haven laws used to justify petition to overturn Roe v Wade; Hawaii governor dumps the dump; Illinois mandates how to abandon your baby curriculum; homeless man finds baby in NYC; baby abandoned on doorstep in Australia....and more.

***NEWS***

***UNITED STATES***

NATIONAL NEWS
Justice Foundation Press Release: Pursuit of justice in Roe v Wade 60 motion moves forward; TJF legal team previews next step.
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRe...d=162-06242003
Texas Justice Fund press release referencing SH laws as justification to overturn Roe v Wade: "Beginning in 1999, a woman's legal responsibility to care for her child has shifted to the state with the enactment of "Baby Moses" (safe haven) laws in 40 states.

To read specific section of petition go to: http://www.livejournal.com/users/nephesh/57030.html


STATES
ARKANSAS
Fort Smith Times Record, June 19, 2003
Trial date set for woman accused of killing newborn
http://www.swtimes.com/archive/2003/...TrialDate.html
FORT SMITH--Update on Twighla Sue Painter case (BDN v3 # 7). Painter, 32, to stand trial on September 16 for 1st degree murder in death of newborn daughter delivered into a white plastic bag. Said she didn't know she was pregnant.

CALIFORNIA
Redlands Daily Facts, June 18, 2003
First newborn dropped off at Arrowhead is left by a man
http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/St...463239,00.html
COLTON--Unidentified man drops off new newborn at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; baby in good condition. Debi Faris says it is the first time she's heard of a man using the SH law. "It would be much easier knowing that a mother had brought her baby in, but maybe the mother didn't want to be noticed, so she asked the father. 23rd baby reported to be safe havened in California.

Riverside Press-Enterprise, June 18, 2003
Man leaves infant boy at area hospital
http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanberna...y18.a15bc.html
COLTON--More on above story. Since law went into effect 73 babies have been abandoned and found alive outside of the SH program; 23 infants found dead.

Pasadena Star-News, June 19, 2003
Woman drops off newborn at hospital
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stor...66392,00.html#
PASADENA--Young woman drops off newborn at Arcadia Methodist Hospital on June 13.

KNBC-TV, Los Angeles, June 19, 2003
Newborn boy left at fire station
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/2280507/detail.html
LOS ANGELES--Newborn boy left at fire station--report from county unclear if it was a city or county station. Reportedly 5th "safe surrender" countywide and 15th healthy newborn surrendered in county since program began in 2002.

San Francisco Chronicle, June 19, 2003
News briefs from California's Central Coast: (3rd article)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...011EDT0062.DTL
SANTA MARIA--Update on Juana Santos Orocio case (BDN v3 #8) Orocio, 24, agrees to leave US and return to Mexico; can apply for readmission to the US immediately after she leaves the country. If she had been deported, she would have had to wait 10 years to apply or been barred for life. In March sentenced to 5 years probation and 4-year suspended prison term. Baby, now 2, survived his abandonment, but his whereabouts unknown due to confidentiality agreements.

Milpitas Post, June 20, 2003
Police search for identity of Baby Boy Dale
http://www.themilpitaspost.com/Stori...468028,00.html
MILPITAS--Update on Baby Dale case (BDN v3 #24, 25). Review of case. Immediate concern is welfare of mother. Police go door-to-door. Coroner says baby is Caucasian or possibly Hispanic. Believes mother may have wanted to keep pregnancy a secret and that she is a local.

Contra Costa Times, June 25, 2003
Surrender baby law languishes
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes/6165470.htm
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY--SH advocate, Elizabeth Rimbualt from the Woman's Club of Antioch, complains that county health officials have "needlessly held back from publicizing" SH law. Claims lack of publicity is a "horrible display of bureaucracy." Argues that program should be publicized and implemented instead of waiting for all personnel to be trained, "Whether they have the right paperwork or not doesn't matter."

Riverside Press-Enterprise, June 25, 2003
Woman, younger brother suspected of incest
http://www.pe.com/localnews/sanberna...y25.57582.html
BLOOMINGTON--23-year old Bloomington woman and her 17-year old brother arrested on suspicion of felony incest after children playing in alley found dead fetus that authorities believe is couple's stillborn child. Autopsy reveals that baby was stillborn due to natural causes. Relatives unaware that woman was pregnant, thought she was a lesbian that often masqueraded as man on telephone party lines; looks like a boy, calls herself Anthony. Received no prenatal care. Brother and sister brought up in fostercare.

Riverside Press-Enterprise, June 25, 2003
Autopsy reveals baby found in Bloomington had died in womb
http://www.pe.com/ap_news/California..._109831C.shtml
BLOOMINGTON--Fetus died of natural causes; police may file incest charges against mother, Jennifer Alvarez, 23 and her 17-year old brother.

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, June 25, 2003
Healthy newborn left at Pomona hospital surrender unit
http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories...477917,00.html
POMONA--Newborn girl dropped off at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center's SH baby slot. First use. Placed in unit, setting off audible and visual alarms in ER. Baby in good health.

KABC-TV, Los Angeles, June 28, 2003
Abandoned boy in good condition
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/news/062...doned_boy.html
LOS ANGELES--4-day old boy found abandoned in apartment stairwell in good condition.

Morgan Hills Times, July 3, 2003
Baby law allows parents to give up newborns
http://morganhilltimes.com/news/newsview.asp?c=64484
MORGAN HILLS--Santa Clara County officials remind residents about SH law; review of law.

FLORIDA
Boone (NC) Citizen-Times, June 19, 2003
Police search Boone for clues to baby's death
http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/news/37027
BOONE--Update on Key West Baby Jane case. (BDN v3 #21. 24 ). Key West police visit Boone to investigate couple identified as parents of newborn found dead in hotel breezeway. Sara Lynn Bleckley, 23 of Ashville and Joshua Allen Mayhew, 25, of Winston-Salem have not yet been charged.

HAWAII
Governor of Hawaii vetoes safe haven legislation: Statement from Gov. Linda Lingle, June 20, 2003.
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessio...gms/hb0133.htm
HONOLULU--Governor Lingle vetoes recently passed safe haven legislation (HB133) legalizing anonymous infant abandonment,noting that "any good that might be accomplished by this bill is likely to be outweighed by the harm that it would cause." Concerns include absence of requirements for the abandoning individual to prove parenthood or provide any information about the newborn. The "focus should be on the long-term well being of the newborn, and that safe haven measures like this one fall short in that critically important respect."

ILLINOIS
Chicago Daily Herald, June 28, 2003
Teen indicted in death of baby
(off server)
STREAMWOOD--Update on Jenny Sotomayor case (BDN v3 # 23). Sotomayor indicted on 1st degree murder and concealment of a homicide in death of newborn. Judge refuses to reduce bond from $500,000 to $50,000.

Press Release: Safe Abandoned Babies Foundation, July 2, 2003
Amended school code requires instruction on Abandoned Newborn Infant Act
http://www.prnewswire.com/news/ (then type in Save Abandoned Babies Foundation for link)
NORTHBROOK--Press release from Save Abandoned Babies Foundation. Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs amendment to the School Code requiring grade, junior and high school sex ed curriculum "to advise" pupils on how to abandon their babies. Attorney William F. Martin, Exe. Sec of SABF says "This is good news for newborn infants in Illinois and claims that "teaching our children that there is a responsible alternative to abandonment will help prevent more of these tragedies.

Bloomington Pantagraph, July 3, 2003
New law requires abandonment education
http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/07...30703009.shtml
SPRINGFIELD--Another article on new IL law. Dawn Geras says, "If we can reach people before they are in crisis mode--if they know about the option--they'll remember what the safe alternatives are." Since law went into effect in 2001 3 babies have been turned in, but 15 other babies have been unsafely abandoned, with 8 of those eventually dying.

KENTUCKY
Louisville Courier-Journal, June 20, 2003
States draw attention to law on giving up newborns
http://www.courier-journal.com/local...0620-6683.html
LOUISVILLE-Claim that women aren't using SH law because they don't know about it. PSA unveiled in Indiana, funded by a $20,000 grant from the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc, urges women to call the Newborn Lifeline Network in Pekin, IN. In the 16 months the IN law has been in effect it has not been used as far as anyone knows. State doesn't track or have money to publicize. Three babies have been left in ERs in Kentucky. Kentucky officials have traveled throughout state holding SH press conferences; state is searching for private donor or nonprofit partner to help finance or raise money.

MARYLAND
Hagerstown Herald-Mail, June 24, 2003
Woman enters Alford plea in death of son
http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=d...28&format=html (requires registration)
HAGERSTOWN--Update on Patricia Ann Stotelmyer case (BDN v # 5). Stotelmyer, 26, takes "Alford plea" in which she does not admit guilt, but agrees that the state has enough evidence to gain a conviction. Agreed to no more than 10 years on charge of child abuse resulting in death. Gave birth to 7-month in bathtub then left baby in tub with running water, though autopsy indicates baby was smothered, not drowned. Has 2 other children.

NBC4-Washington, DC, July 4, 2003
Abandoned infant found in field
http://www.nbc4.com/news/2313167/detail.html (requires registration)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY--Construction workers find newborn girl lying under brush off dirt road; taken to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.

Washington Post, July 6,, 2003
Abandoned baby is stable as parents sought
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...ml?nav=hptoc_m
SHADY GROVE--Details on construction site abandonment. Baby, now called Liberty--Libby for short--in stable condition, but doctors concerned about abrasions and ticks. Detectives don't know how long Libby was in bushes covered with insects before discovery . Police concerned with welfare of mother and asked her to come forward.

MASSACHUSETTS
Newton Daily News Tribune, June 18, 2003
"Safe Haven" is tabled by council
http://www.dailynewstribune.com/news...en06182003.htm
WALTHAM--Handful of city councilors give "chilly reception" to Morriseys home rule SH resolution.. "While some communities have opposed the idea, Michael Morrisey said the actions of some Waltham city councilors Monday night caused his wife to leave the meeting in tears. 'We've actually never seen that type of hostility in a city. I was actually more embarrassed for them than anything else." City Councilor Robert Logan led charge to quash resolution. "The issue should be addressed at the state level. It should not be addressed at the local level." Said it could set precedent if council considered an issue not specific to local government. Morrisey claims SH is a local issue

Rumbo News, (mid June)
Lawrence aprueba la seguridad de los bebes--Methuen le sigue
(off server)
LAWRENCE--Spanish language account of Lawrence town council SH resolution.

Boston Globe, June 19, 2003
Bylaw would permit surrender of unwanted babies
(paid archive)
BELMONT--Morriseys take home-rule proposal to Belmont. Long article on presentation and opposition. Selectmen voted on June 2, to include the article on the warrant of the fall Town Meeting, provided there is a meeting. Otherwise, it will be on the annual Town Meeting docket next Spring. Includes pro-quotes from the Morrisesys and opposition quotes from Kim Stevens of Massachusetts Families for Kids and Sen. Steven Baddour. Also views of local officials.

Hampshire Gazette, June 20, 2003
Doctor: Paluseo in "dissociative state" around birth
http://www.gazettenet.com/06202003/news/6823.htm
NORTH HAMPTON--Update on Jennifer Paluseo case (BDN v221, 22, 26, 33, 35; #; v3 #5, 21, 25 ). Psychiatrist testifies that Paluseo was not emotionally aware of what was going on during labor and hours after birth. Interviewed day after baby's body was discovered. Says because she was in "dissociative state" and might not have been able to evaluate whether she should have talked to police.

Fall River Herald, June 24, 2003
Councilors hear "baby haven" idea
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...=9 9784&rfi=6
FALL RIVER--Morriseys present SH home rule safe haven proposal to city council. Council VP Alfredo P. Alves says he doesn't think the proposal is controversial; chief of police favors law. Proposal tabled to be passed on to corporation counsel, and if approved, request will be sent to city council for pubic hearings and vote.

Holliston Tab, June 25, 2003
Beacon Hill roll call
http://www.townonline.com/holliston/...ol06252003.htm
BOSTON--Report on SB 766 hearing. Human Services Committee hears testimony on SH proposal. Supporters say new law will save lives and give young scared mothers a choice Opponents say bill sends wrong message by legalizing child neglect and abandonment. Point out that state offers ample opportunity to give babies up for adoption.

Fall River Herald News, June 25, 2003
Our view: Safe havens save babies
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?n...AG=461&dept_id
FALL RIVER--Editorial endorsement of Fall River SH, but calls it "a small bandage on a gaping social wound, but it is at least a bandage and it can keep babies alive."

Hampshire Gazette, July 2, 2003
Paluseo said aware of choices
http://www.gazettenet.com/07022003/news/7167.htm
NORTHAMPTON--State's psychiatric expert testifies that Paluseo was not suffering from mental disorder when she delivered baby, hid it, and later talked to police about it. Was self-interested; told medical personnel about birth, but not police.

MICHIGAN
WDIV-TV, Detroit, June 20, 2003
Questions remain after stillborn left in garbage
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2285425/detail.html
DETROIT--28-year old woman dumps stillborn baby in garbage can; may be charged. Discovered after she went to hospital for treatment and doctors discovered she had recently given birth.

MINNESOTA
KARE-TV, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, June 24, 2003
Woman sentenced in "Baby Marshall" death
http://www.kare11.com/news/news-arti...?NEWS_ID=48534
Update on Stacy Miller case (BDN v2 #6, 23, 27, 41; v3 #10, 20 ). Miller sentenced to 12 years on 3rd degree murder charge; let newborn to die in toilet after giving birth at Marshall Hy Vee 2 years ago. Ordered to serve 1/3 of sentence under supervised release. May appeal.

KARE-TV, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, June 25, 2003
Judge denies media request in care of abandoned baby
http://www.kare11.com/news/news-arti...?NEWS_ID=48574
MARSHALL--Judge denies request from Marshall Independent and Marshall Radio to open Child in Need of Protection files and hearings in Stacy Miller case. State law says files should be open to public except in exceptional circumstances.

NEW YORK
New York Post, June 22, 2003
Homeless man finds newborn on street
http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/1490.htm
QUEENS--Homeless man find 4-5 day old baby wrapped in yellow blanket on sidewalk. Takes her to homeless shelter where police were called. Baby believed to be Hispanic.

Newsday, June 25, 2003
Source: Death of newborn at school an accident
http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/...eadlines-bronx
BRONX--Bronx DA decides not to prosecute girl who gave birth in bathroom of school nurse's office in April. After he was born she wrapped him in blanket and took him to nurse. Died 6 days later.

Binghamton Sun-Bulletin, June 26, 2003
Mother indicted in death of three babies
(off server)
MONTICELLO--Update on Diane Odell case (BDN v3 # 20, 21, 22). Sullivan County Grand Jury indicts Odell on 2 counts of 2nd degree murder for each of the children born in 1982, 1983, and 1984 in her home. Defense attorney says she will plead not guilty at arraignment.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Nashua Broadcaster, June 19, 2003
Letters to the editor
(not in online edition)
NASHUA--Letter in response to Broadcaster editorial in support of SH from NH Rep. Janet Allen

NORTH CAROLINA
Ashville Citizens-Times, June 18, 2003
Abandoned baby laws overlooked
http://cgi.citizen-times.com/cgi-bin/story/news/36965
ASHVILLE-- Review of various state SH experiences with focus on Bleckley/Mayhew case (see Florida).. Dawn Geras says of Key West Baby Jane case, "I have a hard time believing that if a mother or father knew about this option, they wouldn't use it." Says that in IL since the law was enacted 18 months ago, 7 babies born to 6 women have been found dead. State Senator Bob Carpenter, sponsor of NC bill says "The idea of the bill was to decriminalize the idea of having an illegitimate baby."

Charlotte Observer, June 18, 2003
Police: Woman who found abandoned baby was its mother
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observe...al/6115779.htm
CHARLOTTE--Update on Charlotte park case (BDN v3 #24, 25 ). 23-year old woman who found abandoned baby in park admits that she is the mother. Will not be charged with crime since she complied with SH law by turning baby over to authorities. Tells police she knew she couldn't take care of baby. Has 1-year old and is a college student who works fulltime.. Didn't know she was pregnant until the 3rd trimester. Wants baby adopted.

WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, June 23, 2003
Baby's body found wrapped in plastic bag
http://www.wxii12.com/news/2288387/detail.html
WINSTON-SALEM--Officials with Forsyth County Sheriff's Office say body of newborn found in plastic bag. 17-year old girl treated at Forsyth Medical Center after she complained of vaginal bleeding and cramps. Hospital alerted her stepfather who found body in bathroom cabinet. Autopsy pending; no charges yet filed.

OHIO
WCPO-TV, Cincinnati, June 26, 2003
Safe havens for newborns program working well in the tri-state area
http://wcpo.com/news/2003/local/06/26/babies.html
CINCINNATI--Newborn boy dropped off at Good Samaritan Hospital in Hamilton last week. Since law went into effect in 2001 5 babies have been dropped off in the area and none have been found dead or dangerously abandoned.

WOIO-TV, Cleveland, July 3, 2003
Body of newborn found in woods
http://www.whiotv.com/news/2310394/detail.html
MILFORD CENTER--Body of newborn boy found in woods in Southern Union County. No one charged, but police believe they have identified 19-year old mother. Autopsy pending.

Ohio News Network, July 3, 2003
State says safe haven program working
http://www.onnnews.com/story.php?record=25217
COLUMBUS--Although Ohio does not officially track SH abandonments, it claims that 20 babies have been dropped off in SH program.

PENNSYLVANIA
WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, June 22, 2003
Abandoned baby found
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/062...abandoned.html
PHILADELPHIA--Woman out walking at 3:30 AM finds abandoned baby boy on sidewalk. Is in stable condition.

NBC 10-TV, Philadelphia, June 24, 2003
Police: Abandoned baby was never abandoned
http://www.nbc10.com/news/2290924/detail.html
PHILADELPHIA--Woman who said she found abandoned baby on sidewalk now admits she is the boy's mother. Police say she was confused and overwhelmed after giving birth and called police for help. She never lost custody of child and never abandoned it. No charges filed so far. Says she will put baby up for adoption.

Philadelphia Inquirer, June 29, 22003
American rhythms: Create a world where babies aren't abandoned
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/n...ew/6192746.htm
PHILADELPHIA--Commentary by Jane Eisner questioning usefulness of SH. "But the rush to enact safe-haven laws suffers from more than a lack of publicity. With the noble intention of saving lives, the laws turn a practice regarded as primitive--leaving a baby in a basket on a doorstep--into something deserving of a marketing campaign."

SOUTH CAROLINA
Florence Morning News, June 19, 2003
Bennettsville, Marlboro County investigators seek help in locating mother of infant
http://morningnewsonline.com/news/MGBLS6J54HD.html
BENNETTSVILLE--Body of newborn girl found at trash depot in Marlboro County. Sanitation workers find it loading trash on to larger truck. Autopsy pending; authorities ask public for help.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen News, July 3, 2003
Baby's death still a mystery
http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aber...ws/6226147.htm
ABERDEEN--Update on Aberdeen case (BDN v3 # 21). Day County authorities still do not know the cause of death of a newborn found concealed in a vehicle owned by family of 17-year old assumed to be the mother. County state's attorney says he doesn't think the baby was abandoned in car to die.