04/06/2025
VOTE: NO – Died in Committee
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2901
Committee assigned to bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Committees/SECBH/Overview
This bill requires a facility accepting newborn babies install a newborn safety device, or accept the baby in person.
One requirement is the baby has no evidence of abuse, how would the facility know if there is no abuse if the newborn is just dropped off Anonymously?
Would an anonymous drop-off violate the rights of the child both legally and ethically?
The requirement that an infant left in a newborn safety device has no evidence of abuse, cannot be met. If the infant is left in a safety device anonymously there is no way to verify that no abuse has taken place before receiving the child. I am against the modification of the safe haven law.
A Newborn Safety Device is a wonderful idea. Anonymity allows the birth parent(s) to know that their child will be cared for and brought up in an environment they could not meet themselves. This saves lives per this program in many states. Why not Oregon?