BabySafeHaven
12-05-2003, 05:35 AM
Ayer considering joining push for Safe Haven law
MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.lowellsun.com/Stories/0,1413,105~4761~1806491,00.html
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Ayer considering joining push for Safe Haven law
By RITA SAVARD
Sun Correspondent
AYER The Board of Selectmen is hoping Ayer will soon join the list of five
other communities across the state that are pushing to have the Safe Baby Haven
law adopted in Massachusetts.
Selectmen unanimously agreed last night to seek input from town safety
officials and state legislators about the law, which would allow parents to
anonymously drop off their unwanted infants at a designated safe place such as
a hospital, police or fire station without getting arrested.
The discussion was prompted by a letter written to the board from Michael and
Jean Morrisey of Lexington, who have been strong advocates for the safe-law
ever since they had to bury a newborn that died of exposure after being
abandoned in a Dorchester cemetery. Jean Morrisey is active in the U.S. branch
of the Bonnie Babies Foundation, an Australian organization that provides
service to women who suffer stillbirths or miscarriages.
Selectmen mostly voiced support for the measure on the grounds that it may help
to prevent fatal abandonment.
"It gives someone an incentive to abandon their baby at a safe location instead
of a Dumpster," said Selectman Connie Sullivan. "I don't know why we haven't
adopted this policy yet."
Massachusetts, Vermont, Alaska and Nebraska are the only states that have not
adopted the law statewide.
State Rep. Barry Feingold, D-Andover, first filed the bill three years ago. The
bill was filed again last year when it unanimously passed in the House, but
later lost its momentum in the Senate when Sen. Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen,
vied for removing the anonymity factor from the law.
But those who support the law say keeping confidentiality will motivate
parents, who otherwise fear prosecution, to place their baby out of harm's way.
Selectman Frank Maxant warned that he felt uncomfortable making a decision
based primarily on the advocates point of view.
"There may be reasons why the state has lagged behind on this," he said. "We
could be asking for trouble."
The bill, said Selectman Faye Morrison, was probably not passed over because of
pitfalls, but rather, for priorities.
All members said that more information needs to be gathered before moving
ahead.
If Ayer pursues the legislation, they will join Boston, Westfield, Lexington,
Framingham and Natick in an attempt to rejuvenate the bill on the House floor
once again in January.
"This seems like a law that would not only benefit the town but the entire
state," Sullivan said. "Why not be a leader in this kind of legislation?"
MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.lowellsun.com/Stories/0,1413,105~4761~1806491,00.html
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Ayer considering joining push for Safe Haven law
By RITA SAVARD
Sun Correspondent
AYER The Board of Selectmen is hoping Ayer will soon join the list of five
other communities across the state that are pushing to have the Safe Baby Haven
law adopted in Massachusetts.
Selectmen unanimously agreed last night to seek input from town safety
officials and state legislators about the law, which would allow parents to
anonymously drop off their unwanted infants at a designated safe place such as
a hospital, police or fire station without getting arrested.
The discussion was prompted by a letter written to the board from Michael and
Jean Morrisey of Lexington, who have been strong advocates for the safe-law
ever since they had to bury a newborn that died of exposure after being
abandoned in a Dorchester cemetery. Jean Morrisey is active in the U.S. branch
of the Bonnie Babies Foundation, an Australian organization that provides
service to women who suffer stillbirths or miscarriages.
Selectmen mostly voiced support for the measure on the grounds that it may help
to prevent fatal abandonment.
"It gives someone an incentive to abandon their baby at a safe location instead
of a Dumpster," said Selectman Connie Sullivan. "I don't know why we haven't
adopted this policy yet."
Massachusetts, Vermont, Alaska and Nebraska are the only states that have not
adopted the law statewide.
State Rep. Barry Feingold, D-Andover, first filed the bill three years ago. The
bill was filed again last year when it unanimously passed in the House, but
later lost its momentum in the Senate when Sen. Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen,
vied for removing the anonymity factor from the law.
But those who support the law say keeping confidentiality will motivate
parents, who otherwise fear prosecution, to place their baby out of harm's way.
Selectman Frank Maxant warned that he felt uncomfortable making a decision
based primarily on the advocates point of view.
"There may be reasons why the state has lagged behind on this," he said. "We
could be asking for trouble."
The bill, said Selectman Faye Morrison, was probably not passed over because of
pitfalls, but rather, for priorities.
All members said that more information needs to be gathered before moving
ahead.
If Ayer pursues the legislation, they will join Boston, Westfield, Lexington,
Framingham and Natick in an attempt to rejuvenate the bill on the House floor
once again in January.
"This seems like a law that would not only benefit the town but the entire
state," Sullivan said. "Why not be a leader in this kind of legislation?"
