MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/politics/3485378/detail.html

State Closer To Adopting 'Safe Havens' Law
Law Would Designate Places Moms Can Leave Newborns

July 2, 2004

BOSTON -- Massachusetts is a step closer to having a "safe havens" law.

Safe haven laws designate locations such as hospitals and police stations where
mothers can leave newborn children they can't care for.

The Senate Thursday gave its approval to the measure, and sent it back to the
House for final approval.

Forty-five states currently have "safe haven" laws.

A baby just hours old was left on the back steps of a Martha's Vineyard church
on June 22.

Police and emergency services technicians revived the baby boy, who was
suffering from hypothermia and hypoxia, a shortage of oxygen.

The boy is now at Children's Hospital in Boston. He'll be discharged Friday.

The House gave initial approval to the state law in March, but not unanimously,
as in the Senate Thursday.