Bill on unwanted babies backed

Thursday, March 8, 2001 | 11:48 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A bill to provide a "safe haven" for unwanted babies who are discarded by their parents has drawn diverse groups together in its support.

The Senate Committee on Human Resources and Facilities heard unanimous endorsement Wednesday for Senate Bill 191, which would allow a parent to drop off an unwanted infant at a police or fire station or hospital without having to face charges or questioning.

Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, chairman of the committee, and Assemblywoman Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas, are sponsoring the bill.

"This bill doesn't solve all the problems of the world but it may bring some help to some babies," Rawson said.

Cegavske said a parent who feels unable to keep a child would have an alternative to leaving the baby by the side of the road or in a trash can.

Dr. LeAnn Truesdale, of the Junior League of Las Vegas, told the committee that 14 states have enacted similar laws and 23 states are considering the legislation. Last month, a baby was found in a trash bin in Las Vegas on Atlantic Avenue. This behavior, she said, is often an act of desperation, with the parent feeling there is nowhere to turn.

With this bill, Truesdale said, "You're not only saving the life of the baby but giving the parent a chance to do the right thing."

Lynn Chapman, vice president of the Nevada Eagle Forum, said this bill would not solve the problem but it would help protect babies.

Other groups in support included Planned Parenthood, the Nevada Catholic Conference, Nevada Life, Nevada Concerned Citizens, the Professional Firefighters of Nevada and the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association.

Several technical amendments were proposed and Rawson indicated he would take up the bill Friday for a possible vote to send it to the Senate.

The bill says a provider of emergency services must accept a child who is not older than 30 days if the baby is given up by the parent. The person who delivers the child is presumed to agree to termination of parental rights and gives permission for emergency services and care.

Unless there is evidence to believe the child has been abused or neglected, the parent is not required to disclose his or her name, must be allowed to leave the station or hospital at any time and must not be followed. And criminal charges cannot be filed.

The child must be turned over to a protective services agency in 24 hours.