The witness, Laura Bogley, Executive Director, Maryland Right to Life, was testifying in opposition to the reproductive freedom constitutional amendment.
“The state is failing to invest in and promote lifesaving alternatives to abortion like quality prenatal care, the Maryland Safe Haven Program, affordable adoption programs and foster care reform.”
The Safe Havens program sounded familiar.
I found this description on the Department of Human Services website.
“In Maryland, no one ever has to abandon a newborn baby. Under the Safe Haven law, a distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care for their infant can safely give up custody of their baby, no questions asked. Newborns can be left at hospitals or law enforcement stations.”
Then I asked a research librarian to find the bill that authorized the program.
It’s House Bill 602, the Maryland Safe Haven Act of 2002.
I was the principal co-sponsor.
I also asked the General Assembly’s budget staff to analyze whether the state is adequately supporting the Safe Haven program.
Then I spoke to a pro-life delegate about working together on this issue.
