BabySafeHaven
03-14-2004, 07:22 PM
Massachusetts
http://www.dailycollegian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/03/01/4042b2eac6561
?in_archive=1
THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN
UMASS AMHERST
Another call for baby safe haven legislation
March 01, 2004
As former University of Massachusetts student Jennifer Paluseo pleaded guilty
to charges of involuntary manslaughter and removing or conveying a dead body in
Hampshire Superior Court last week, a two-year-old wound for many at the
University was ripped open, and all the original questions remain.
At this point, most know the details. Paluseo, 21, killed her newborn infant in
a James Hall dormitory bathroom, disposing of the body in a trashcan.
Originally charged with murder, Paluseo pleaded guilty to the lesser charges
and faces sentencing on March 31. She could be sentenced to as long as seven to
nine years in state prison.
What many people new to the University in the last two years do not know,
however is the debate the infant's death sparked on campus, and the opinion
that many people on campus, including members at The Massachusetts Daily
Collegian, expressed at the time.
While the issue has quieted down over the last two years, the facts remain the
same: Massachusetts needs baby safe haven laws.
As baby safe haven legislation comes up again for vote in the Massachusetts
State House of Representatives on Wednesday, the state remains one of only
eight that has no baby safe haven law in place.
The laws designate safe places for people to drop off unwanted babies with no
questions asked with one common goal in mind - saving lives.
The laws are not without flaw. Critics say the laws make it too easy for women
to avoid the responsibility that goes with giving birth, and that safe haven
laws enacted in other states already have not proven themselves to be able to
fix child abandonment in our society.
The alternative, however, is frightening. The Collegian firmly believes
implementing safe haven laws can do little but good for our state, and
hopefully, can prevent tragedy in the future.
While we can only speculate if the life of Jennifer Paluseo and her infant
would be any different now had there been another option, the fact that the
number of babies who have been found dead in other states has declined speaks
for itself. Baby safe haven laws do not always work, but if their
implementation saves the life of even one innocent unwanted newborn, we believe
the legislation has already exceeded any costs it may have.
Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Massachusetts Daily
Collegian Editorial Board.
http://www.dailycollegian.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/03/01/4042b2eac6561
?in_archive=1
THE MASSACHUSETTS DAILY COLLEGIAN
UMASS AMHERST
Another call for baby safe haven legislation
March 01, 2004
As former University of Massachusetts student Jennifer Paluseo pleaded guilty
to charges of involuntary manslaughter and removing or conveying a dead body in
Hampshire Superior Court last week, a two-year-old wound for many at the
University was ripped open, and all the original questions remain.
At this point, most know the details. Paluseo, 21, killed her newborn infant in
a James Hall dormitory bathroom, disposing of the body in a trashcan.
Originally charged with murder, Paluseo pleaded guilty to the lesser charges
and faces sentencing on March 31. She could be sentenced to as long as seven to
nine years in state prison.
What many people new to the University in the last two years do not know,
however is the debate the infant's death sparked on campus, and the opinion
that many people on campus, including members at The Massachusetts Daily
Collegian, expressed at the time.
While the issue has quieted down over the last two years, the facts remain the
same: Massachusetts needs baby safe haven laws.
As baby safe haven legislation comes up again for vote in the Massachusetts
State House of Representatives on Wednesday, the state remains one of only
eight that has no baby safe haven law in place.
The laws designate safe places for people to drop off unwanted babies with no
questions asked with one common goal in mind - saving lives.
The laws are not without flaw. Critics say the laws make it too easy for women
to avoid the responsibility that goes with giving birth, and that safe haven
laws enacted in other states already have not proven themselves to be able to
fix child abandonment in our society.
The alternative, however, is frightening. The Collegian firmly believes
implementing safe haven laws can do little but good for our state, and
hopefully, can prevent tragedy in the future.
While we can only speculate if the life of Jennifer Paluseo and her infant
would be any different now had there been another option, the fact that the
number of babies who have been found dead in other states has declined speaks
for itself. Baby safe haven laws do not always work, but if their
implementation saves the life of even one innocent unwanted newborn, we believe
the legislation has already exceeded any costs it may have.
Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of The Massachusetts Daily
Collegian Editorial Board.
