Last Night on Real to Reel produced by the Catholic Communications Office of the Diocese of Springfield, Councilor Jourdain commented on the importance of Baby Safe Haven Laws and the value we as a community place on the sanctity of human life here in the City of Holyoke.
Last August, the Legislature and Governor made the Baby Safe Haven Law of 2004 permanent. In short, it allows any parent to bring their child 7 days or younger to a hospital, police station or manned fire station and surrender their baby no questions asked if they feel they cannot support the child for whatever reason. Of course, I believe we would all agree, that it is sad that this has to occur in our wonderful country but the value of human life must remain our supreme consideration. This law is non judgemental of the parents but focuses on protecting the infant from the tragedy of death by abandonment.
I was particularly proud of Chief Scott's comments in the show as well. He shares my committment to the protection of our children. I want it well known that if anyone who would consider for even one moment the abandonement of their child, please do not... bring them to us and we will make sure that the appropriate authorities find that child a loving home. There is never a reason to abandon a child.
Last August, I not only commended the Legislature and our Governor for making this law permanent but I also asked that Baby Safe Haven signs be placed on all fire stations and police stations of our City. There is also one at Holyoke Hospital.
I was very pleased by the excellent report done by Julie Beaulieu, a native Holyoker, on the issue and thank Real to Reel for their continuing committment to cover issues that matter to our communities. Real to Reel offers very uplifting programs about the many good things happening here in Western Massachusetts.
For more information about the Baby Safe Haven Law (officially known as Mass. Gen. Law ch. 119 Sec. 39 1/2) goto www.babysafehaven.com
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