Mulligan: "Safe Haven" Legislation to Provide an Alternative to Abandonment

May 23, 2001

Des Plaines…Continuing the fight to save children from the fate of abandonment, State Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) was a House sponsor of legislation that has passed both Houses of the General Assembly creating "safe havens" for parents to anonymously take infants they cannot support.

"This bill will save children who would otherwise be left to die," said Mulligan. "A child who would be facing abandonment can now get a second chance at life."

Safe havens described in Senate Bill 216 include fire stations, emergency medical facilities, or hospitals. Under the legislation, parents may anonymously take infants to these locations and leave them with personnel without risking civil or criminal liability for child abandonment.

The bill also ensures the child has not been abused (no immunity if the child shows signs of abuse), attempts to notify and inform the father and informs parents of their rights (termination of parental rights begins in 60 days).

Nationwide, 15 states have already adopted similar laws (Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia).

"We have seen tragic situations with infant abandonment too often in recent years," added Mulligan. "This legislation will give a second chance at a happy, healthy childhood for many children."

Senate Bill 216 now awaits the Governor's signature before becoming law.