EDITORIAL: Safe haven for moms, babies

Disturbing news surrounding the recent deaths of newborn babies in Minnesota has brought new awareness to an important state law. Since 2000, the Safe Haven Act has allowed women to bring their newborn to an emergency hospital within 72 hours of birth. And the mom can walk away with no questions asked.
Everyone in the state should know about the law. Especially teens.
Fortunately, during the past seven years, 15 Minnesota moms have known enough about the law to bring their newborns to the hospital. All the babies were adopted.
The Safe Haven Act provides a safe alternative to frightened women who, in a moment of desperation, might act drastically. Most often in these situations, the woman has been hiding her pregnancy. After her child is born, she might also try to hide her baby. Some moms have reportedly caused their newborn’s death unintentionally because the hiding place was unsafe. In other cases, women have discarded their child after birth. All these stories are tragedies.
The law allows babies to be brought to any Minnesota hospital. Hospitals in Hutchinson, Litchfield and Glencoe are informed about the law and are prepared to take babies. Authorities are not contacted when the baby is brought in. The mom is not asked to give her name. She will be asked to complete a short medical history questionnaire. She doesn’t need to fill it out at the hospital. She can take it with her and mail it to the hospital.
The hospital will provide medical care and contact the state, which will assume custody of the baby and follow routine abandonment procedures. Generally, the baby is placed in a temporary foster home. After a waiting period, the baby is eligible for adoption.
Minnesota is one of 44 states that allow a mother to relinquish a baby anonymously and without fear of prosecution. The Safe Haven Act saves lives and gives women dealing with an unwanted pregnancy a safe alternative.