By Carolina Puga Mendoza | The Statehouse File
For The Republic.
INDIANAPOLIS—The Senate Family and Children Services Committee unanimously approved the Safe Haven extension bill on Monday.
House Bill 1230 passed by a 9-0 vote.
The current Safe Haven law allows parents to anonymously give up newborn babies who are 30 days old or younger to a member of emergency medical staff. Currently, only hospitals and fire departments are the designated areas to surrender a newborn. The law dictates there are no questions asked of those who leave the baby.
HB 1230, authored by Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, would extend the Safe Haven program by also allowing parents to call emergency services to retrieve the baby in case the guardian cannot take the baby to a Safe Haven location.
Several individuals testified in support, ranging from the Indiana Public Defender Council to the Fire Department Association and the pro-life organization Right to Life.
“We believe this will become a valuable tool for struggling parents who lack the means to transport a child to a Safe Haven or one of these newborn safety devices,” said Christopher Bandy of the Indiana Public Defender Council. “This is a common-sense solution to a monumental issue in this state that will hopefully save children’s lives and provide them with a loving family and home.”
