How many of these stories must we read? This baby was found in time, but how many others will be abandoned and not found in time? What is going on with the lack of regard for human life? I know Texas has a law that allows parents to drop off unwanted babies/young children at designated places such as fire stations and hospitals. I don't know all of the specifics of the law, but it was put in place for this type of situation. I don't know if these types of laws exist in all 50 states, but they should, in my opinion. To those living outside of the United States, is this an issue where you live?
It has happened Diane, but rare I understand a Mother may not be of sound mind at the time, but surely sound enough to leave a baby where it will be found quickly
Yes, I can see being frightened or experiencing post partum issues, but what I don't understand is those who put plastic bags over the baby the way this one did, abandoning them where they wouldn't be found or survive, or tossing them out of high rise windows, etc. I can't imagine being young and having to tell my parents I was pregnant, let alone had just given birth to a baby after hiding a pregnancy, but times have changed, and there are resources these days, as well as society having loosened up quite a bit since my teen days.
True Diane - but we just don't know the circumstances, it is horrific I guess I just don't want to believe the worst scenario I'm having to shut a lot of things to the back of my mind lately as its so terrible to know there are such callous people amongst us
I read about this happening too often @Diane Lane. Maybe these girls think they will be found out even if it's an anonymous drop off place.
Yes, that's understandable. I think it's the reason a lot of people don't watch the news anymore. It does seem sometimes that the bad outweighs the good in our society. I hope that's not the case, but it's hard to tell, since the press focuses on the more lurid stories.
I thought about that, and as I said, I don't know the specifics of the law here, and no doubt they vary from state to state. I think maybe it would be a good idea if the person dropping off the baby/child would be required to give some medical background that's needed for the baby/child. If they could drop them off without parents/guardians being notified, that would help. Maybe it's time to revisit the laws and compare the intent with outcomes. It also might help to publicize the laws more, so teens know they exist.
Yes and you're probably right on getting it out there because I bet most teens may not know. I've never been in this type of situation as a teen but I know my problem would have been solved...my dad would have killed me. Not far from the truth. I know I would never have told my parents I was pregnant. Later, when I was leaving my home for Chicago my mom did pull me aside and told me if I found myself pregnant not to do anything stupid, she would care for the child. Abortion wasn't legal yet so she wasn't thinking that but maybe the coat hanger thing. If my daughter found herself pregnant as a teen I would have cared for her baby also.
Tragic. I believe the "drop baby off at fire/police station" applies in most, if not all states. Sure, some basic medical information would help but few would cooperate.
In the DR where I live we have unwanted babies all the time but here they just give them away and someone else takes them in. This ends up with undocumented children or children with faulty documents. This is such a common practice that no one talks about it.