MASSACHUSETTS
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinion/view.bg?articleid=63069
Editorial: Save havens
Monday, March 15, 2004

It's taken far longer than it should, but it appears "baby safe havens"
legislation is finally getting some traction at the State House.

The House gave initial approval last week to a bill creating "safe havens"
where parents can legally and anonymously abandon a newborn child at a
hospital, police station or 24-hour fire station within seven days of a child's
birth.

More than 40 other states have already adopted similar bills, which are a
commonsense response to the problem of infants abandoned by confused and
panicked young mothers. Lives have already been saved through safe havens,
which is exactly the point.

Frustrated by the Legislature's inaction in past sessions, the promoters
of baby safe havens had adopted a town-by-town approach, getting local bylaws
adopted in Framingham, Natick and other communities. But a statewide program is
better, especially because it can be accompanied by a statewide public
awareness campaign that could be critical to its success.

We hope the Senate will quickly follow suit and get this legislation on
Gov. Romney's desk.