IN - Safe Haven Toll Free Hotline Begins
BabySafeHaven
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/13828323.htm
Safe Haven Toll Free Hotline Begins
Thu, Feb. 09, 2006
For several years now, people trying to end the problem of infants
being abandoned in garbage cans and commercial trash bins have been
pushing safe haven laws, which allow new mothers to drop off babies at
safe locations and leave, no questions asked.
In Fort Wayne, the alternative got publicity only after an infant was
found in a garbage bag on the south side. The child, who was never
identified, was later buried in a grave with a temporary marker at
Lindenwood Cemetery.
So far, 46 states have adopted such laws, and in Fort Wayne, two babies
have been dropped off in safe havens such as hospitals and fire
stations in the past couple of years.
The problem remains, though, that new mothers in desperate situations
might not know where they can drop a baby off or know about the law.
The National Safe Haven Alliance is experimenting with a toll-free
number that people can call and find out everything they need to know,
from what the law is in their state to where they can drop off a
newborn that they, for various reasons, can't care for.
The toll-free number isn't in operation yet but later this month, in
Fort Wayne, the number - 888-510-BABY - will be put into service on
an experimental basis to measure the number and nature of calls that
come in.
Bob Floyd, who is handling publicity for the program, says the program
expects a fair number of calls from people who are curious about their
options. Those calls usually start with, "I'm calling for a
friend."
After the experiment here, the availability of the number will be
expanded to other states and eventually be in operation on a national
basis.