Spreading Awareness About Safe Havens Day

April 29, 2016

On the state’s first annual Safe Havens Awareness Day on Apr. 4, lawmakers, clinicians and first responders came together for a press conference at MidState Medical Center to remind distressed parents of the Connecticut Safe Havens Law. This law allows a distressed parent to anonymously leave an infant at any hospital emergency room in Connecticut without fear of prosecution for abandonment, up to 30 days after birth. State Representatives Catherine Abercrombie and Hilda Santiago, as well as State Senator Terry Gerratana were in attendance.

"MidState Medical Center is proud to partner with our officials to spread awareness. The Safe Haven Law serves to protect our most innocent, and speaks to the hospital’s mission to keep those in our communities healthy and well," said Kate Sims, Central Region director for women and infants.

Birthing center staff also hosted a table of information in the cafeteria to educate employees and visitors about the law.

Senator Abercrombie added: “We want young women to know they have options. It’s about saving lives,” she said.