April is “Save Abandoned Babies Month” in Illinois, and the Chicago Police Department has been raising awareness of life-saving Safe Haven Laws in an effort to save babies’ lives. According to local station WTTW, Chicago Police plan to “distribut[e] thousands of information cards across the city, detailing the law in hopes of expanding community awareness.” The department has also been spreading awareness through social media:
April is Save Abandoned Babies Month in Illinois, an effort to raise awareness of the Illinois Abandoned Newborn Protection Act and subsequent Baby Safe Haven Law. Since it was enacted in 2001, at least 126 newborn infants in Illinois have benefited under this law. #ILSafeHaven pic.twitter.com/jjZexwiQA3
The law allows a desperate parent to legally relinquish an unharmed newborn 30 days old or younger to staff at any Illinois hospital, police or fire station without fear of prosecution. No questions need to be answered. #ILSafeHaven pic.twitter.com/iZTr7cAnKR
To date, Illinois’ Safe Haven Law has saved the lives of 126 babies since 2001, who would otherwise have been abandoned and may not have survived. CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson told WTTW, “Once you know about the safe haven law, talk about it. You might just save a life, and as we know, there’s nothing more precious than the gift of life.” CFD Commissioner Jose Santiago likewise stated, “If there is any parent who is feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders, the Chicago Fire Department will be here when you need us, and no baby will ever be turned away.” Officers got the opportunity to meet with children who were saved because of the state’s Safe Haven Law.
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