Choices.

This is likely to be one of the entries in “”Our Town” where there is a potential for controversy. I am not entering it to be controversial, I am writing about it because it is, in fact, part of “Our Town.”

A few months ago I saw a sign on the side of the Glen Ellyn Police Department building. I had no idea what it was about, so I asked. The sign had only been up for about 45 days and involved a law that had actually been effective for nearly 10 years; based upon my not knowing about it, I suspected most did not either. That was one of the points made to me when I asked about it---I was told, “very few know the options they have.”

Here’s what it’s all about.

The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act became effective on August 17, 2001; the law permits a parent to anonymously relinquish an unharmed newborn up to 30 days old to a staff member at a designated safe haven. Example would be hospitals, emergency medical facilities, fire houses, police/sheriff stations that have staff present.

Whereas Glen Ellyn may not experience situations like this occurring, to date no one has relinquished a child, I can not imagine the fear and helplessness a young Mom would go through when they feel they have no place to turn. I am well aware there are many other options, but then again I would suspect when you are in a situation like this, you may be scared and feeling quite helpless. Under no situation can a young baby understand what is going on---young Mom’s may not be far behind. By the way, I was told, “once your relinquish the child, if you do change your mind, you can return and reunite with your child.”

If you recall a few years back, the state of Nebraska enacted this law for children but it was for children under the age of 18. Now, as the father of 2 teenagers I would not be 100% honest if I said these thoughts don’t run through my head at times; of course they would never make it any further than thoughts, however in Nebraska, 36 children were dropped off and none of them were infants. The law has now been changed in the state to 30 days and younger.

Growing up in today’s world is challenging; when you are young, and in case you are wondering, 62% of all Mom’s who made this decision were under the age of 24, you make decisions that can effect your life---for the rest of your life that is. I was glad to learn this option was available in our town, I was also very happy to learn no one to date has used it.

Thanks for stopping by.