Omaha Councilman Pushes for Safe Haven Legislation
By Karen Sloan, Omaha World-Herald, Neb.
Oct. 15–Omaha Councilman Chuck Sigerson wants to send a message to the Nebraska Legislature that being one of two states without a so-called baby safe haven law is not a distinction the state wants.
He is asking the council to approve a resolution calling for a law that would allow parents of newborns to leave their babies in places such as a hospital or fire station without fear of prosecution. The council will consider the resolution Tuesday.
Last month, the Lincoln City Council called for such a law.
“You have the two largest cities in Nebraska supporting a safe haven bill,” Sigerson said. “This should be a slam-dunk in the Legislature.”
Sigerson said a safe haven bill could help protect the health and safety of unwanted babies.
Safe haven legislation has been discussed by the Legislature for seven years but has not been adopted. A safe haven bill was introduced during the 2007 session, but it was not enacted.
State Sen. Arnie Stuthman of Platte Center has said he will again push for a safe haven law next year. He introduced the bill last year.
State Sen. Ernie Chambers has been an opponent of such a bill, saying that more children could be saved if the Legislature was willing to spend more money on prenatal care and food stamps.
Alaska is the only other state without such a law.
Sigerson said he hopes a safe haven measure will pass in the coming legislative session.
The issue surfaced recently after a young Omaha mother left her newborn in a restroom at Bergan Mercy Medical Center.
Parents of the 18-year-old said she was overwhelmed by the birth of her second child when she left the baby in the restroom with a note asking for someone to care for him.
Under state law, she could have been charged with misdemeanor child neglect, abandonment or felony child abuse.
But Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine declined to press charges, and the teen’s parents were granted temporary custody of the baby.
Sigerson said it’s time for action.
“The bottom line is that this law is something 48 states already have,” he said. “Why are we dragging our feet?”
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