BabySafeHaven
01-06-2005, 03:51 AM
MASSACHUSETTS
http://www2.townonline.com/lexington/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=158629
Safe Haven ad campaign launched in Lexington
By Jessica Heslam and Kevin Rothstein
Thursday, January 6, 2005
Michael and Jean Morrisey will never forget "Baby Rebecca Mary," the dead,
abandoned baby they helped bury in 2001.
"We literally lowered a baby into the ground. We looked at her face. I
don't ever want to see that again," Michael Morrisey said.
The Lexington couple joined other advocates yesterday to launch an ad
campaign publicizing a new law that allows young mothers and fathers to
anonymously leave their unwanted newborns at designated facilities.
"There have been highly publicized cases of babies found in Dumpsters
because of anxious and terrified parents who are trying to hide what has
occurred, so it's terribly important for them to understand they have
alternatives," said Department of Social Services Commissioner Harry Spence.
The safe haven law, which took effect in October, allows a parent to
surrender a newborn at any hospital or police or manned fire station without
fear of prosecution.
Those dropoff places soon will be sporting decals designed as part of the
media campaign, which includes ads on MTV in Springfield, Fox (Ch. 25) shows
including "The Simpsons," WB (Ch. 56), billboards and radio stations. The MBTA
is donating free ad space.
"What you want to do is educate somebody before they get into a panic
situation," said Michael Morrissey, who pushed for the bill's passage.
DSS is spending about $250,000 for the ads and an additional $200,000 in
free services have been secured.
Massachusetts became the 47th state to adopt the safe haven law in
October. Under the law, parents can leave newborns at hospitals, police and
manned fire stations without being criminally charged.
http://www2.townonline.com/lexington/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=158629
Safe Haven ad campaign launched in Lexington
By Jessica Heslam and Kevin Rothstein
Thursday, January 6, 2005
Michael and Jean Morrisey will never forget "Baby Rebecca Mary," the dead,
abandoned baby they helped bury in 2001.
"We literally lowered a baby into the ground. We looked at her face. I
don't ever want to see that again," Michael Morrisey said.
The Lexington couple joined other advocates yesterday to launch an ad
campaign publicizing a new law that allows young mothers and fathers to
anonymously leave their unwanted newborns at designated facilities.
"There have been highly publicized cases of babies found in Dumpsters
because of anxious and terrified parents who are trying to hide what has
occurred, so it's terribly important for them to understand they have
alternatives," said Department of Social Services Commissioner Harry Spence.
The safe haven law, which took effect in October, allows a parent to
surrender a newborn at any hospital or police or manned fire station without
fear of prosecution.
Those dropoff places soon will be sporting decals designed as part of the
media campaign, which includes ads on MTV in Springfield, Fox (Ch. 25) shows
including "The Simpsons," WB (Ch. 56), billboards and radio stations. The MBTA
is donating free ad space.
"What you want to do is educate somebody before they get into a panic
situation," said Michael Morrissey, who pushed for the bill's passage.
DSS is spending about $250,000 for the ads and an additional $200,000 in
free services have been secured.
Massachusetts became the 47th state to adopt the safe haven law in
October. Under the law, parents can leave newborns at hospitals, police and
manned fire stations without being criminally charged.
