DES MOINES – Iowa Department of Human Services officials are using the state’s safe haven procedures for the 20th time since the law went into effect.
An individual brought a healthy newborn boy to a medical center in Iowa on Aug. 13 and asked that the child be declared a safe haven baby.
The infant was released to the custody of the DHS. A court hearing to terminate parental rights will be held within a month. Specific details are withheld in order to protect the identity of the parents and child. In all previous cases, safe haven babies have been successfully adopted.
Under Iowa’s safe haven law, parents have the option to safely hand over custody of babies age 14 days or younger without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The parent, or their authorized representative, can leave the newborn at a hospital or health care facility, and can remain anonymous.
The safe haven law was approved in the wake of a high-profile case in 2001 involving a teen mother in eastern Iowa who killed her home-delivered newborn.
[poll random]
I would think 30 days would be more comprehensive.
Why?
A week can easily get eaten up in hospital after delivery, and that only leaves a new mother 7 days to decide before being vulnerable to prosecution. I’d say a full month will give the mother a chance to really see the ups and downs of motherhood. But really, why should there be a time limit at all? If the mother really wants to get rid of her child, the State should accept it unconditionally and try and place it. Better that then finding the child dead. Life in Prison COSTS $$$
I totally agree with you. A week is ridiculous, 6 months would be more like it.