the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Following the news of a South Jersey baby saved through the state’s Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, Assemblymen Anthony M. Bucco and Jay Webber are pressing Gov. Phil Murphy to sign their legislation (S1126/A1380) that would require high schools to teach students about the law.
“The Safe Haven law is effective at preventing tragedy and I urge the governor to sign the bill,” said Bucco. “Last month’s newborn makes 72 babies saved. When people know about the law, they are equipped with the information to make the right decision.”
The Safe Haven law allows parents to drop off their unwanted and unharmed infants who are younger than 30 days old at police stations, emergency departments, first aid squads and fire stations with no questions asked and without fear of prosecution.
“Safe Haven Infant Protection already has protected many precious newborns, and this bill should save even more infant lives,” said Webber (R-Morris). “With this law, we make sure New Jersey remains a leader in offering compassionate outlets for parents in crisis.”
If the governor signs the legislation, the lawmakers say they would be able reach a portion of the population who are particularly susceptible to acting impulsively. Public school students in grades 9 through 12 would start learning about the Safe Haven law starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
Definitely tell kids about it directly. A mistake to assume their parents will, or that they even know about it.