Abandoning babies at Hospitals LEGAL?!?!

Mandarella · Jun 21, 2006

Adoption, yes. Abandonment NO! I don't care how "safe" they "think" the child is left. Now this child can't be adopted until she is a toddler...what a shame. Poor baby.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 21, 2006

You should place a poll on this thread, triage......

steelcityrn, RN · Jun 21, 2006

It sure beats putting the baby in a box and hoping someone answers the doorbell. Its a safe haven for the child without the parent having to go to jail because they realized they could not care for the child. I think its terrific and it will bless many families who could not have children.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Jun 21, 2006

It is true in Texas. They cannot find you criminally liable for doing so.

However, Texas Dept of Child Protective Services (CPS) WILL attempt to find you so that they can get health/medical info on the child for purposes of future adoption - so it isn't quite as 'anonymous' as they advertise. In fact, a number of times, after a subsequent search, an immediate family member ends up taking permanent custody of the child.

But, it's not criminal, either. Better a baby in the hospital in a healthy state then as a result of being retrieved from a garbage can. . .

I DO think it should remain legal. Someone who would do that isn't thinking in a 'right' mind, anyway. Better they have some outlet for the realization of such thoughts than the alternative.

~faith,

Timothy.

URO-RN · Jun 21, 2006

I was just watching out local news and there was a feature on babies being abandoned in hospitals in Oregon and Washington after a baby was abandoned in a Vancouver Wa Hospital. (short brief: http://www.katu.com/stories/86970.html ). The infant is fine thank goodness!!!
I didn't know this but I guess it is legal to abandon your baby in a hospital or fire station within a certain period of time in the two states. Washington state it is 72 hours after birth, Oregon it is 30 days. I had no idea about that law!!! So this woman will not get punishment or repremand for doing this. The article did say that if there were signs of abuse, that a parent then is held responsible and will face an abuse charge.
They said that the child will be a toddler before she would be able for adoption because of the process of trying to find a family member who may want her (the woman left a fake name so it is hard to find her or family)...and other things the state must do.
That seems so sad for this infant, however...maybe living with the mother would be far worse?
Do you think it should remain legal to abandon your infant at a hospital or fire station?

In some states there is a law called "Safe Haven". Name/title varies_

Think of it this way, a 14 yo girl gives birth in a public restroom and decides that she cannot bring her baby home. She a) drowns the baby, b)places the infant in a garbage can c) drops the baby at a hospital, police station etc.

I hope she goes for choice c.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

For several years it has also been perfectly legal to abandon one's baby in California hospitals and fire stations.

I agree FULLY with this law, since it is a better alternative to abandoning a newborn in a garbage dumpster (which occurs all too frequently in the Los Angeles area).

PANurseRN1 · Jun 21, 2006

Do you think it should remain legal to abandon your infant at a hospital or fire station?

Absolutely. Far better than leaving the baby on the doorsteps of a church/otherwise and left to die. I can't imagine how anyone could be against this. Haven't we all seen news reports of newborns that died under such circumstances, only to find out that the mother was a scared young woman who felt she had no other options?

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

You should place a poll on this thread, triage......

I actually wanted to see some responces and reasons for or against so maybe I could get more of my own mind together on it...but a poll would be great...

I don't know how to put one on yet though..LOL!

Bala Shark · Jun 21, 2006

Yes, it should be legal...The mother at least is trying to give the baby a future..Just think, if the mother took care of the baby and she does not want it? What will happen to the baby?

LydiaNN · Jun 21, 2006

My heart breaks for the babies that are left in hospitals or fire stations, but they will be found by people who will take care of them so that they have the opportunity to be adopted by parents who will love and take care of them. A much preferable fate to those babies whose parents decide they just ''can't take it'' and abandon their babies in a dumpster or garbage can to die. This isn't a hypothetical choice; I know in California, the law was passed because of the number of babies who are left to die in this manner.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

Legal in Washington. In fact, here in Western Washington there are designated hospitals, those with newborn nursery personal, in order that the infant might receive any necessary care immediately.