Safe Haven Law: What Are Your Rights?

Alexandria Slandon-Marler, 33, was arrested for discarding her newborn son in a hotel trash bin.  She is facing charges that include aggravated manslaughter and child neglect.

Apparently Slandon-Marler was transported to the emergency room in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where she told the doctors that she recently had an abortion. However, her medical evaluation did not support her story and the doctors became suspicious. They were convinced that she had given birth to the baby. Upon contacting the police, they were notified that the baby was found wrapped in a towel and placed inside a pillowcase in a trash bin at the hotel she was staying at.

This type of behavior is inhumane and can easily be avoided.  There are a number of legal ways of providing an unwanted child with a home while avoiding legal penalties.

Safely Surrendered Baby Law

California has the Safely Surrendered Baby Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law) for Newborns. This law allows a parent to safely surrender their unwanted newborn within 72 days of birth to a hospital emergency department or fire station with no questions asked.  The parents’ identity will remain confidential during this process.

To learn more about the Safe Haven law, go to: www.babysafe.ca.gov

Adoption

For more information about Adoption, go to www.childwelfare.gov. There are a number of links that can aid in deciding if adoption is the best option for the parent.

Do you think the Safety Surrendered Baby Law should be implemented nationwide to give all parents the choice to safely surrender their baby?