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News stories about abandoned newborn babies in trash bags have prompted local emergency officials to remind the public that overwhelmed parents have a better option.
A 2004 law, known as the Baby Safe Haven law, allows anyone to anonymously bring a baby 7 days old or less to a designated haven, which is any hospital emergency room, police station or manned fire station in Massachusetts.
Whoever brings in a baby, according to the law, may do so anonymously, and will not be charged with abuse or neglect.
Norwood Fire spokesman George Morrice said yesterday he hopes knowledge of the law will save lives.
Earlier this month, a newborn boy was found dead in a trash truck in Milford. Last October, a living newborn, later named "Baby Jordan," was found in a trash bag behind a house in Roslindale.
"We want to reiterate to the public that we are a baby safe haven," he said, referring to his department and Caritas Norwood Hospital.
In Westwood, Fire Chief William Scoble said a parent giving up an infant must realize it would be better to leave the baby at a warm haven than in an alley in the middle of winter.
"Bottom line, where would you rather have it?" Scoble asked.
Dedham Fire Chief James Driscoll said the law helps allay fear of prosecution, which has stopped some parents from doing the right thing.
"They're overwhelmed and they're desperate," he said.
Westwood Police Chief William Chase stressed police have no authority to compel parents to identify themselves when leaving a baby at a designated safe haven.
"The person that's dropping the child (off) has no obligation to provide that," he said.
Denise Monteiro, a spokesman for the state Department of Social Services, said a parent dropping off a child may provide medical history, but that is up to the mother or father.
"They can answer questions, (but) they don't have to," Monteiro said. "DSS can't even get involved."
Morrice said his department has a questionnaire for anyone leaving a baby, but it's designed to get medical information, not interrogate the parent.
"Anything (parents) give us is really for the benefit of the child," Morrice said.
Since the law took effect in November 2004, Monteiro said parents on four occasions have left babies at havens in Massachusetts. In each case, she said, the parents were under age 17.
Caritas Norwood Hospital spokesman Mary Wallan said the hospital has yet to be used as a baby safe haven, but the nursery, pediatricians and immediate medical care make the emergency room an ideal place to bring a newborn.
"It really will be a safe place," Wallan said.
Anyone looking for more information on the law can call the Massachusetts Baby Safe Haven hot line, 866-814-SAFE, or visit www.babysafehaven.com.
Daily News staff writer Sean Murphy can be reached at 781-433-8337, or by e-mail at smurphy@cnc.com.
News stories about abandoned newborn babies in trash bags have prompted local emergency officials to remind the public that overwhelmed parents have a better option.
A 2004 law, known as the Baby Safe Haven law, allows anyone to anonymously bring a baby 7 days old or less to a designated haven, which is any hospital emergency room, police station or manned fire station in Massachusetts.
Whoever brings in a baby, according to the law, may do so anonymously, and will not be charged with abuse or neglect.
Norwood Fire spokesman George Morrice said yesterday he hopes knowledge of the law will save lives.
Earlier this month, a newborn boy was found dead in a trash truck in Milford. Last October, a living newborn, later named "Baby Jordan," was found in a trash bag behind a house in Roslindale.
"We want to reiterate to the public that we are a baby safe haven," he said, referring to his department and Caritas Norwood Hospital.
In Westwood, Fire Chief William Scoble said a parent giving up an infant must realize it would be better to leave the baby at a warm haven than in an alley in the middle of winter.
"Bottom line, where would you rather have it?" Scoble asked.
Dedham Fire Chief James Driscoll said the law helps allay fear of prosecution, which has stopped some parents from doing the right thing.
"They're overwhelmed and they're desperate," he said.
Westwood Police Chief William Chase stressed police have no authority to compel parents to identify themselves when leaving a baby at a designated safe haven.
"The person that's dropping the child (off) has no obligation to provide that," he said.
Denise Monteiro, a spokesman for the state Department of Social Services, said a parent dropping off a child may provide medical history, but that is up to the mother or father.
"They can answer questions, (but) they don't have to," Monteiro said. "DSS can't even get involved."
Morrice said his department has a questionnaire for anyone leaving a baby, but it's designed to get medical information, not interrogate the parent.
"Anything (parents) give us is really for the benefit of the child," Morrice said.
Since the law took effect in November 2004, Monteiro said parents on four occasions have left babies at havens in Massachusetts. In each case, she said, the parents were under age 17.
Caritas Norwood Hospital spokesman Mary Wallan said the hospital has yet to be used as a baby safe haven, but the nursery, pediatricians and immediate medical care make the emergency room an ideal place to bring a newborn.
"It really will be a safe place," Wallan said.
Anyone looking for more information on the law can call the Massachusetts Baby Safe Haven hot line, 866-814-SAFE, or visit www.babysafehaven.com.
Daily News staff writer Sean Murphy can be reached at 781-433-8337, or by e-mail at smurphy@cnc.com.
