Governor Holden has signed into law a bill the “Safe Place for Newborns Act” which allows parents to legally abandon their newborn children. The legislation came about as a result of concerns over unwanted newborns being discarded in dumpsters and other locations. The law is aimed at a parent who abandons a newborn, 30-days old or younger, by handing it off to a hospital staff member, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician. Nobody would face criminal charges. GovernorHolden says it’s important for the parents to act quickly. In addition to quick delivery the baby must not have been abused or neglected. Governor Holden doesn’t view this as relieving parents of their responsibilities. Rather, he believes it will save lives. Holden says avoiding criminal consequences will provide an incentive for parents who decide to abandon their children to keep those kids alive.
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