A woman from Chicago took her baby boy to a "safe haven box" at a local fire station to surrender her child to the officials. According to reports, the woman was reluctant to give up her baby but it seems like the lady had no choice and with a heavy heart, she left him behind. Chief Officer Mark McLees said, "We don’t question. Our role is not to question. Our role is to open our arms and take the child."
Woman Leaves Her Newborn In A Fire Station Under "Safe Haven Law," Gets Praised By People For Making A Responsible Decision
#1 Safe Haven Law
Usually, the news about abandoned babies is heartbreaking and is considered downright cruel. But there is an exception and that is the 'safe haven law.' However, very few people know about this law.
#2 Surrending The Child For The Sake Of His Safety
It is a law which provides protection to parents and gives them the option of giving up their child only in the condition where they know their child is endangered or are facing some other crises. According to Children's Bureau, "Safe-haven laws generally allow the parent, or an agent of the parent, to remain anonymous and to be shielded from criminal liability and prosecution for child endangerment, abandonment, or neglect in exchange for surrendering the baby to a safe haven."
#3 Chicago Woman Making The Tough Decision
The safe haven can include places like fire stations, police stations, hospitals and churches all around the country. Following the law, a woman from Chicago concerned with not being able to take care of her son, took her baby to a fire station to drop him off at the safe haven box.
#4 She Gave Her Personal Details To The Officers
Firefighters took the child to the Ambulance personnel, who evaluated the child and took the baby to Upstate University Hospital. According to the Chief Officer Mark McLees, "The mother dropped the boy off knowing that fire stations are safe havens. She did the right thing." Before leaving she shared her details with the officers and told them her son's name and date of birth.
#5 Leaving Her Baby Behind With A Heavy Heart
Fire Capt. John Stubbs says the woman was very emotional but she knew that it was a safe place, "All she wanted to do was to leave the baby and go. She stated she knew this was a safe place." In a press conference, McLees said, "We don’t question. Our role is not to question. Our role is to open our arms and take the child. We’re trying to educate people, you don’t have to endanger a child. No questions asked, we will take the child and we will take care of it."
#6 Making The Right Decision At The Right Time
Though the situation is very sad and unfortunate, people are praising the woman for making a responsible decision and rather than endangering the child's life she turned him to the officials for the sake of his safety.