blog.bioethics.net

"sanctioning the abandonment of children by those who should be required to put them up for adoption"
Not to equate abandonment with making an adoption plan, really, but why are you making this distinction? Do you think of offering a child for adoption as some kind of punishment?

- by Laura(southernxyl) on Mar 4, 2007 at 9:05 PM | link

Also, here is an article about foundling wheels such as the one at the Ospedale della Pieta in Venice, the orphanage where Vivaldi taught music.
"From 1198 the first foundling wheels (ruota dei trovatelli) were used in Italy; Pope Innocent III decreed that these should be installed in homes for foundlings so that women could leave their child in secret instead of killing them."
They were trying to make it easier for these women to choose life. You must realize that economics are not by any means the only reason why a woman might find it impossible to care for her child. Family situations might do that even among the wealthy. Postpartum depression and even psychosis don't affect only the poor.

- by Laura(southernxyl) on Mar 4, 2007 at 9:23 PM | link

This is somewhat bizarre but if it leads to less killings of those children then I would say it is a good thing. There are many states all over the US that have "SafeHaven" programs to help alleviate the unnecessary death of newborns(but there is an age restriction 30 days old or less). A parent can drop a newborn off at the emergency room no questions asked,(other than a few medical history questions) without fear of arrest for child endangerment or abandonment. They can also do this annonomously. Identity may be a concern, for fear of being alienated in their town. So if they are not capable of taking care of their children this is much better than the alternatives that seem to be used.

- by H Stetz on Mar 4, 2007 at 9:51 PM | link

We have the "Baby Moses" laws in Texas (and other US States) It's a relief valve.

- by Beverly on Mar 5, 2007 at 10:34 AM | link

Unfortunately, haven't recent studies suggest that the "Baby Moses" and other foundling/Safe Haven laws actually don't act as a relief valve? Babies are still being left in toilets, dumpsters, and etc all over the country - largely because these programs don't actually address the problem, which is that many of these women (frankly, often teens) abandon their newborns because they've been in denial of the pregnancy to begin with. There's a make it go away mentality, and you can't make it go away by actively caring for the newborn - which would include taking it to a safe drop house.
I suspect that Italy will discover the same issues as the United States has - nice idea, a few people will take advantage, but there will still be an epidemic of newborns abandoned at the site of birth, or in bags, by mothers not interested in being mothers.

- by Kelly on Mar 5, 2007 at 2:12 PM | link

Safe Haven is offered for mothers in our area. Unfortunately, when a child is placed, there is a public search to locate the mother.

- by Stacy S on Mar 7, 2007 at 11:48 AM | link

It is if this is a bank with a midnight deposit. I understand that many parents find themselves looking for an adoption agency to find a home for their infant. It is a long process and often the parents are highly involved. This causes some parents to kill their child or abandon them on the street. I think this is a way of simplifying the process and will help benefit the child but this is quiet the peculiar way of doing such. In my area we have A Field of Dreams Adoption agency and am glad to see that we have such a thing.

- by Adam on Mar 19, 2007 at 1:17 PM | link

I know that there are safe-havens in place where parents can drop off their babies without question as mentioned above. I think that this is a great idea if it is used. There are so many "unwanted babies" and stories of the mothers killing the babies. If the parents knew of the save-havens, hopefully they would use them. Are they in denial of the baby and just kill them because of denial or do they not know of the safe-havens? If the babies are dropped off at these safe-havens, the baby may be able to have a good life (considering what may happen to them if they are not taken to a safe-haven). There are so many women and families that want to have children and can't that would love to take care of these "unwanted babies". Does there need to be more education or public knowledge of these places that the mothers can take their babies to and just drop them off rather than killing them?

- by Heather G on Mar 19, 2007 at 4:46 PM | link

I really don't understand what the problem is. This is a great thing. I am all in for anything to perserve the life of a child whether it is with the biological parents or not. Yes there will always be some people out there who will kill and abadane their children in the elements but this has to help some. I think we need to educate the public, let them know that they don't have to feel guilty and legal action will not take place. I believe people are scared and especially teens. We need to get into the schools and speak to the young girls and boys about this and alternative things to do when encountered with this situation.

- by Melissa S on Mar 22, 2007 at 1:13 AM | link

Good acticle. I agree with the comments made, especially including the one of encouraging the mothers [teens] by educating them about the "safety" of the drop off zone." How about before pregnacy occurs occurs? I'm not sure that I understand how the mothers' are in denial in the first place. Why, if there are safe places to give up a newborn, are women still killing them or placing them in dumpsters...Something is missing. Education? Communication? Reality Check? How about this one... a support system to these young mothers !

- by dabepo on Mar 23, 2007 at 4:05 AM | link