Safe Haven Awareness Day
State Rep. Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden), colleagues and MidState Medical Center today held a press conference at the hospital to recognize the 1st Annual Safe Haven Day, and bring attention to this important issue.
The Safe Haven Act, which took effect in 2000, allows a parent who can’t keep a child to drop off an infant 30 days old or younger at a hospital emergency room with no questions asked and not face prosecution for abandonment.
“I am happy to work with our local hospital to get this message out and remind those that find themselves in an unfortunate situation that this program is in place for them,” Rep. Abercrombie said. “By offering this option, the Safe Haven law is ensuring a better future for these precious infants.”
Several local hospitals joined to participate in this awareness day to help spread the message across the state.
Rep. Hilda Santiago (D-Meriden) who also participated at the event said, “Parenthood is one of the most important responsibilities we have, but sometimes circumstances prevent even the strongest individuals from fulfilling that role. I am grateful for the Safe Haven law, and MidState Hospital, for keeping an open door to those who must face the difficult decision of leaving their infant child.”
“Connecticut’s Safe Havens exist to save two lives: that of the child and that of the distressed parent who could otherwise face jail time and be haunted by the memory of abandoning their child,” said Senator Terry Gerratana
(D-Berlin/Farmington/New Britain). “This law saves lives, but only as long as people know about it. It is critical that parents know that in their time of crisis, there is a place they can turn where their child will be cared for and they will not be judged.”
Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation creating Annual Connecticut Safe Havens Awareness Day on April 4, and efforts to educate the public seem to be having the desired results.
“MidState Medical Center is proud to partner with our officials to spread awareness of the state’s Safe Havens Law on the First Annual Safe Havens Awareness Day. The Safe Havens Law serves to protect our most innocent, and is in keeping with the hospital’s mission to keep those in our communities healthy and well,” said Kate Sims, Central Region Director of Women’s Services.