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A bill legalizing baby dumping at hospitals gains Senate approval

March 14, 2002
By: Michelle Wirth
State Capital Bureau

New mothers could leave their newborns at the hospital instead of abandoning them on the street...under a bill gaining preliminary approval in the Missouri Senate. Michelle Wirth has the story.

The bill allows mothers to give the hospital custody of children under six days old.

Right now, mothers who abandon their children are charged with criminal abandonment.

Senator Mike Gibbons says abandonment doesn't happen often, but says mother's need another option.

Actuality:Gibbons
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: We're trying to encourage responsible behavior when it occurs.

Gibbons says thirty-five states already have a similar law.

From Jefferson City, Michelle Wirth.

A bill to keep mothers from dumping their newborns in a dumpster gained first round approval in the Missouri Senate. Michelle Wirth has the story.

Under the bill, If a child is less than six days old their mothers could leave them in the hospital's custody.

Senator Mike Gibbons from St. Louis County says the bill gives mothers an alternative to abandoning their babies on the street.

Actuality:Gibbons
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: "In those circumstances where that happens it offers the mother a life affirming choice to take the child to the hospital."

Gibbons says this law has been adopted in 35 other states.

From Jefferson City, Michelle Wirth.