A Baby Safe Haven May Have Saved the Life of Shoebox Infant Says Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes
Parliamentary Leader of Family First NSW, the Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes, states that the introduction of Baby Safe Haven legislation in New South Wales could have saved the life of the infant found yesterday near Strathfield Station: “Her little body was found in a shoebox, with her umbilical cord still attached. What is so heart-wrenching in all of these cases is that there is simply no need for such suffering and such waste of precious human life. There are so many married couples eager to adopt and care lovingly for such children, there is no reason for babies to be condemned to death by frightened mothers.”
Dr Moyes continues: “I believe that Baby Safe Havens are desperately needed in New South Wales, and will introduce legislation into the next session of parliament. Baby Safe Havens will allow such troubled women to relinquish unwanted newborns with immunity from prosecution. This would mean fewer abandoned babies, living or dead, and help for the mother if she wanted to accept it.”
Dr Moyes points out that a number of state governments in the USA have introduced Acts that have allowed either parent to legally surrender newborn infants (up to 7 days old) to a hospital, police station, fire station or other designated public facility without facing any criminal prosecution. Some additionally allow such relinquishments for babies 3 days old or younger at some churches, ambulances, and adoption agencies. “These laws have been effectively saving the lives of infants in those states, and we need similar legislation enacted in New South Wales with the details to be worked out with the appropriate agencies,” he explained.
“But, as in the US versions, if either of the parents were available they would be thanked for bringing the infant to a safe place then asked if they could provide any information that would assist in planning for the future care of the child, but only voluntarily. None of this would be required, however, as that could present a hurdle that could endanger the baby’s life if anonymity is preferred.”
“I believe that society must act to save the lives of babies, and that such Baby Safe Haven legislation would be compassionate to parents and newborns alike, and help solve a serious problem faced by society”, Dr Moyes said.
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Contact: Rev Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC – (02) 9230 3340 or (02) 9230 3341