Not a single unwanted newborn was brought into a Nebraska hospital after the state passed its safe haven law. Instead, 18 children, ranging in age from 22 months to 17 years old, were abandoned by parents or guardians -- some of whom even came from out of state. The law, which failed to put a cap on the age of children the state would accept, apparently embarrassed the governor and lawmakers, particularly after a widower dropped of nine of his 10 kids last month.
Now, state leaders are hoping to turn one of the most lenient safe haven laws into one of the most restrictive.
They have agreed to amend the language of the law to limit anoymous, no-questions abandonment to parents of babies who are three or fewer days old.
The governor is hoping to get the law amended without calling a special session -- or leaving too much time for a flood of tweens and teens to come in. Health and Human services is spending $100,000 to promote a helpline for frustrated parents and guardians. They're also sending letters to adoptive parents and guardians of former state wards listing phone numbers and websites for agencies that can help them.
They are also reminding Nebraskans of Boys Town, a famous home for troubled youth.
What do you think? Is this a good thing? Is this enough? Is three days old a too restrictive age limit?
Related Posts
Dad Dumps Nine Kids Under Nebraska Safe Haven Law
Nebraska Dad Who Dumped 9 Kids Speaks Out
Teen Abandoned in Nebraska Goes Back Home to Iowa
Grandma Takes In 7 of 9 Abandoned Kids
Morning News: Oprah Makes an Election Eve Comeback!
Photo: foxnews.com
