Safe Haven update

The Gazette Editorial Board

----

It appears lawmakers have passed on a chance to change Iowa's “Safe Haven” law. But we think the discussion should continue.

It's been more than a decade since Iowa made it possible for infants who appear to be less than 14 days old to be relinquished at designated Safe Haven locations, including hospitals. Parents, under the law, can remain anonymous and will not be charged with abandonment or neglect. Backers hoped that the bill would save the lives of infants that might otherwise be tragically abandoned.

Fourteen infants have been dropped off at Safe Havens, but periodic tragedies still make headlines. A bill, House File 2135, sponsored by Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, would have extended the time an infant could be relinquished from 14 days to a year. The measure missed this week's legislative funnel deadline.

We think opening the time window wider is an idea worth considering, but we also think a year is too long. The law is designed to be a safe option in times of crisis, not an escape hatch from the challenges of parenting.

But we also believe more must be done to make Iowans aware of the law. Few resources have been invested in getting the message out. Young Iowans, in particular, should know more about Safe Havens. The state should find ways to help make that happen.

n Comments: thegazette.com/ category/opinion/editorial or editorial@sourcemedia.net