Rep. McCarty Commemorates 2nd Annual Safe Haven Day

NEW LONDON — In honor of Connecticut’s second annual Safe Haven Awareness Day, State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) met with Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Vice President for Development and Community Relations Bill Stanley, First Selectman of Waterford Dan Steward, and Waterford Head of Economic Development Rich Lacomb yesterday at L+M to discuss the importance of the law and building awareness about Safe Havens Day.

Since its passage in 2000, Connecticut’s Safe Haven law has saved 27 infants from fatal abandonment. Additionally, parent(s) who are unable to take care of their newborns have been saved from incarceration for child abandonment.

“The State of Connecticut has made great progress regarding Safe Haven law,” said Rep. McCarty, who co-sponsored the 2015 bill to establish April 4th as Safe Haven Day. “It is an honor to be part of a dedicated team that is bringing this lifesaving legislation to light in our communities. I am very pleased to be working with Lawrence + Memorial, in particular, as the hospital has been a leader in this critical public awareness campaign. Through its willingness to participate in Safe Haven law, Lawrence + Memorial has been able to protect more than one child and their parent(s).”

Safe Haven law helps prevent the crime of neonaticide by allowing anyone to drop off a newborn baby within the first 30 days of life at any hospital emergency room in Connecticut. The person dropping off the baby — whether it is the infant’s mother, father, grandparents or a family friend — will be given a bracelet matching one put on the infant by hospital staff. The police will not be involved, as long as the infant has not been abused. If the parents change their minds within 30 days, they may petition to get the baby back without repercussions. The Department of Children and Families will place the baby in foster care while they await adoption.

“I hope word of this worthwhile endeavor will reach more and more individuals as time goes by,” said Rep. McCarty.

“We recognize the importance of participating in this awareness effort because of the potential it has to save lives, and we will continue to participate,” said Bill Stanley of L+M.

Unfortunately, a newborn’s life was taken as recently as last month due to a distressed parent’s belief that there was no other alternative. Communication and education about Safe Haven law must continue in our state. Understanding the law, how it works, and sharing this knowledge with others will make a difference and help save lives. For more information, please visit the CT DCF’s website.