April 2, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact: Candace Ouillette Gaumond: 413.599.4785

REPRESENTATIVES THOMAS PETROLATI & GALE D. CANDARAS SUPPORT SAFE HAVEN BILL

Boston – State Representative Thomas Petrolati (D-Ludlow) and Gale D. Candaras (D-Wilbraham) voted to secure passage of House Bill 4325, commonly referred to as the Safe Haven bill.

Safe Havens allows a parent to leave an unwanted, newborn at emergency rooms, police stations and fire stations statewide without fear of prosecution or repercussion, if the child is left within seven days of birth. However, leaving a child at a Safe Haven facility will not preclude criminal prosecution, if evidence exists that the child was abused or mistreated.

The bill provides for proper care and attention for abandoned newborns by allowing parents to take children to a facility that is staffed with trained professionals.

“Safe Havens creates a safety net to protect children from ever again being left to die because a parent is too frightened or confused to think of anything other than abandoning her baby,” explained Representative Petrolati

Representative Candaras said, “Massachusetts now possesses a tool that offers much needed care for two often very vulnerable people: newborns and overwhelmed parents who feel they have nowhere to turn.”

The House of Representatives approved the Safe Havens bill by a 137 to 21 vote. Upon passage by the Senate and approval by the Governor, Massachusetts will join 45 other states in the adoption of such legislation.