Authorities would not be allowed to follow them. Within 24 hours after the child is left at the hospital, medical center or police or fire station, the local agency providing protective services must be notified and the child placed in protective custody. A judge must hold a hearing within 72 hours to determine if the child should remain in the agency's care. In addition, future hearings on the child's disposition must be advertised in the local newspaper to notify the parents. The league said this bill could result in a decrease in mortality rates for unwanted children and provide unwanted infants with a chance to be adopted.
Similar programs are already in effect in Alabama, Minnesota and Texas.
And there is debate in 15 other states on similar legislation, the league said. Click here . All contents copyright 2001 Las Vegas SUN, Inc.