Safe haven law protects mom who left baby in manger scene

[bananas]

Source: Associated Press

A mother who left her newborn baby in a Christmas manger inside a New York City church will not be prosecuted, authorities said Wednesday.

<snip>

New York has a so-called safe haven law that says a newborn can be dropped off anonymously at a church, hospital, police or fire station without fear of prosecution. But the law, known as the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, requires that the child be left with someone or for authorities to be called immediately.

Police said that didn't happen in this case, which led investigators to begin searching for the mother.

In deciding not to bring charges, Brown said the mother followed the spirit of the Safe Haven law.

"It appears that the mother, in this case, felt her newborn child would be found safely in the church and chose to place the baby in the manger because it was the warmest place in the church, and further she returned the following morning to make certain that the baby had been found," Brown said.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/11/26/baby-manger-safe-haven-law/76409890/

[jwirr]

1. Many states have this law. It is because when I was younger

in the 50s unwanted babies were often left in garbage cans and God only knows where else. This law would allow them to leave the child at a safe haven.

[Cirque du So-What]

2. I am happy that the child was found unharmed

and that the mother won't be prosecuted, although I wish common sense would prevail in cases like this. Should there be more public education about the Safe Haven Law?

[yeoman6987]

3. I am happy to

I hope next thanksgiving the little baby can enjoy a nice thanksgiving with a wonderful family. I bet they will have families lining up trying to adopt.

[me b zola]

4. Wealthy women who suffer from post-partum depression have people to leave their babies with

...when they feel compelled to run. Marie Osmand, iirc, suffered from ppd after the birth of one of her children and fled. It is not uncommon. The outcome, though, depends upon the socio-economic group that the mother belongs to. Marie was able to return to her family and then continue on to raise them.