‘Dropbox’ babies – the surrendered infant in US

The ending of the constitutional right to abortion played a significant role in the outcome of the US midterm elections. One argument used as the Supreme Court considered overturning Roe v Wade in the summer was that an alternative to termination could be found in safe haven laws.

These exist in every state, allowing troubled mothers to anonymously abandon babies at designated sites shortly after giving birth, without prosecution.

This is the story of three people deeply touched by American safe haven laws.

The mother

It was a dark, wet winter’s night on one of Arizona’s endless plains. Driving along an isolated road, Michelle suddenly pulled over.

“I was in so much pain – I couldn’t make it back to get to a hospital,” she remembers. Near a creek, 20 miles from town, Michelle gave birth in her car.

“It was scary. I remember just praying. I was calling out for my Mom… I wanted my Mom.”

While Michelle delivered the baby, her older daughter slept in the back seat. In the gloom, her mobile phone having died, Michelle sat for 15 minutes, her newborn wrapped in a blanket on her lap.

She stared at the child, taking in her baby’s face. Then she started the ignition and drove – fast.

Michelle had told no-one she was pregnant. She was too frightened. The father of her toddler was unpredictable. Separated from him, and no longer dating her new baby’s dad, she felt backed into a corner.

She pulled up at the nearest hospital. She knew about Arizona’s safe haven law – that she could anonymously “surrender” her child without prosecution, as long as the infant was unharmed. So she hurried into reception, the baby in her arms.

“I asked to speak to labour and delivery. They came and talked to me and I told them: ‘I think giving her up is going to be the best option.’ I just wanted her to be safe – from my oldest daughter’s dad.”

Michelle handed the baby to the nurses. She knew the child would now be adopted.

She was in the hospital less than three minutes.

 

Source: BBC