Get Word Out to Save Infants

The number of newborns who die when abandoned by their mothers is believed to be small in Orange County. Experts recall a handful of confirmed deaths in the last three decades, but as a recent Orange County Grand Jury report noted, “these deaths were particularly disturbing.”

One mother abandoned a child on a roof. Another left her baby in a filing cabinet before going on a vacation. The grand jury also reported that at least 10 babies were abandoned but safely recovered during the last 20 years--including newborns who were left behind when their mothers left the hospital.

The Safe Arms for Newborns Law, which took effect in California on Jan. 1, 2001, allows the parent or guardian of a child up to 72 hours to surrender the newborn anonymously to a public or private hospital emergency room without the fear of being prosecuted. California is one of more than 30 states with safe haven laws on the books.

There is evidence that young mothers who abandon babies aren’t thinking much beyond their own confused and frightening situations. Preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place and helping those who do become pregnant to make good choices remains an important challenge. But for those in desperation who have fallen through the cracks, the law provides one last lifeline. The grand jury reports that many young women in the county haven’t heard about the law.

The grand jury recommends that brochures, including one titled, “Don’t Throw Away Your Baby,” be distributed in drugstores, school offices and other places where teens congregate. It also suggests that the county urge radio stations to run public service advertisements.

It is difficult for social agencies to track the success of safe haven laws, but the minimal expense of distributing brochures that spotlight the law is worthwhile. If the county determines that state funding isn’t getting the job done, supervisors should set aside money for advertising. The minimal costs are definitely in line with ensuring that newborn babies find their way into safe arms.