Last year on June 27, a baby girl only 12 hours old was left at Dorchester General Hospital by an adult who stated that the infant was not her child.
Based on the circumstances, the case met the criteria for the Safe Haven Law. Passed by the General Assembly five years ago, the law provides immunity from criminal or civil prosecution for any person who leaves an unharmed newborn - three days old or younger - with a responsible adult, hospital, church, fire station or police agency. Those who receive the child must then contact the local department of social services, which assumes custody.
Maryland is among 40 states that have such laws, which are designed to discourage parents from abandoning or otherwise harming newborns.
In addition to helping ensure the safety of the child, the safe haven law allows for speedy adoptions, as the birth parents relinquish custody in giving up the babies. In the case of the baby girl left at Dorchester General, the child was quickly placed with a foster care/adoptive couple who gained full legal custody within eight months.
The Safe Haven Law is a common-sense measure that helps discourage the senseless abandonment of newborn babies. Given the lack of legal repercussions for leaving a baby with a responsible party, there is absolutely no excuse for abandoning an unwanted baby.
In an effort to promote awareness of the Safe Haven Law, the Maryland Department of Human Resources has launched an informational campaign, "Giving Your Newborn a Future."
For more information visit www.dhr.state.md.us/safehaven.
