Baby drop off havens-a good idea?

[SFG75]

My state at one time considered having "baby drop off" havens, where mothers could drop off their babies if they didn't want them. The reason behind this, was so that the number of babies dumped in trashbags or left in the toilet somewhere would decrease. The issue has revived again as a mother abandoned her baby at the hospital. While her actions are deplorable, more than a few folks have stated that it was good that she left the baby where she did.

What do you think?, should cities have baby drop off havens at fire halls or other areas?

 

[Peronel]

I question whether they would even be used. A woman in such a desperate situation is probably not thinking clearly; those who are would obviously leave the child at a hospital or with family.

Also, a child whose mother has decided to abandon it to someone else's care is probably not in the best of mental and physical health. The child would most likely be in desperate need of medical attention, so I think hospitals would be the best option.

I think earlier interventions would be a better idea overall. Whilst it is impossible to monitor all pregnant women who run the risk of abandoning their children, perhaps the option of free counselling at health clinics for pregnant women would help.

 

[mehastings]

I support Baby Safe Haven laws. I know that they aren't perfect, and that the parents who need help aren't always aware that they exist. However, I think that the few children saved each year from being dumped in a dumpster or trash can make it all worthwhile.

I know a doctor who had a baby surrendered to her hours after it was born. She said that it was really sad to see, but she was just happy to know that the mother wouldn't abandon it somewhere unsafe instead.

 

[ylris611203]

I think this is just one (or maybe two) steps away from e-baying them.

 

[Rien]

I doubt that many babies would be saved by it, really. Like was said, mothers like that are probably not in the best mental state. Besides, there have been places better than "the dumpster down the street" to toss one's baby for ages. Whether you're religious or not, leaving a baby in a church, for instance, is a lot better than that. On someone's doorstep, at an orphanage's doorstep, with family, with friends, at a hospital...pretty much anywhere with people that are going to give the baby attention is better than essentially throwing it away, but a lot of mothers do that anyway. I don't think that type of person is going to suddenly lose her selfishness or desperation.

 

[SevenWritez]

...

Holy crap.

 

[Rien]

::giggles::

One truly must admire how very astute you are.

 

[SevenWritez]

You obviously failed to see the hidden plethora of knowledge contained within the lines.

If you read more Harry Potter you'd understand.

...Oh my God there I go again.

*Walks away crying*

 

[SFG75]

I doubt that many babies would be saved by it, really. Like was said, mothers like that are probably not in the best mental state. Besides, there have been places better than "the dumpster down the street" to toss one's baby for ages. Whether you're religious or not, leaving a baby in a church, for instance, is a lot better than that. On someone's doorstep, at an orphanage's doorstep, with family, with friends, at a hospital...pretty much anywhere with people that are going to give the baby attention is better than essentially throwing it away, but a lot of mothers do that anyway. I don't think that type of person is going to suddenly lose her selfishness or desperation.

Excellent point, also highlighted in a newspaper article that I read about today on this issue-an interesting read if there ever was one.

Two sides to safe-haven debate.

 

[Rien]

Thankies.

Interesting article indeed, though I think the ending is rather naive. Obviously.