Similar pieces of legislation stalled in House and Senate committees last year. As written, the bill would make it legal for mothers to abandon infants within 15 days of birth, so long as they leave the child with a responsible adult and have not harmed the baby. They also could turn the children over to a hospital, health department, emergency medical technician or law enforcement officer. Parents who comply with the act would avoid prosecution. The person receiving the baby would be immune from liability, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
Supporters say the bill is needed to discourage young mothers from killing their unwanted newborns.
Since 1987, authorities have documented 22 cases of discarded babies being found dead in North Carolina, said state Rep. Phil Haire, chief sponsor of the Infant Homicide Prevention Act. I can't answer that. But it is the first step in trying to save the life of a baby that is not here today. But a half-dozen legislators spoke against the measure, calling it severely flawed. Go out there, reproduce like rabbits, just be sure to drop them off with someone within 15 days.