WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Hospitals Only Safe Haven for Abandoned Newborns
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Georgia law says a mother will not face charges if the baby is brought to a hospital.
Bright, yellow, triangular signs are posted on the sides of fire stations and police barracks around the city.
SAVANNAH, GA--Memorial Health's Emergency Department cares for hundreds of patients each and every day, including babies left behind at birth. "The staff tends to fall in love with these babies and gives them all kinds of attention," exclaimed Memorial Health Emergency Department nurse manager Debbie O'Conner.
O'Conner said fast and efficient medical care is always their first priority to make sure the baby is okay. Unfortunately, she's has seen her fair share of abandoned newborns (see A Look Back--Savannah's Baby Grace). But none left in the loving hands they should be.
Bright, yellow, triangular signs are posted on the sides of fire stations and police barracks around the city. But these facilities are not covered under the Safe Place for Newborns Act and neither are churches.
According to the 2002 legislation passed by Georgia State lawmakers, hospitals are the only safe havens for abandoned newborns. The mother will not face criminal charges if she, "leaves her newborn child in the physical custody of an employee, agent, or member of the staff of a medical facility who is on duty and the mother shows proof of her identity."
Sgt. David Gay with the Savannah-Chatham Police Special Victims Unit, explained the limited drop off zones are to protect the health of the baby. "The crafters of the law were focused on the safety and the welfare of the child. And the best place for children at that age is a hospital to make sure the child is okay," he said.
O'Conner agrees and said they will take in newborns at the hospital with proper identification, no questions asked. "Hospitals are always here," she said. "If you need to leave your baby, bring them to the hospital."
In any case, after the baby is checked out and cleared by doctors, the newborn will be placed with Department of Family and Children's Services who will then find the child a good home. The baby can only be left at the hospital within a week of it's birth. St. Joseph's/Candler also has a similar practice in place.
Reported by: Melanie A. Ruberti, mruberti@wtoc.com
