Save Abandoned Babies

 

SAB TIMELINE

August 11, 2011

The Safe Haven law expanded to include state college, university, and private college or university police departments when department employees are present, and district headquarters of State Police, as designated Safe Haven locations.

August 12, 2009

Governor Pat Quinn signs HB3925 which extends the time a parent has to relinquish an unwanted, unharmed newborn to a full 30 days. This amendment becomes effective January 1, 2010. Totals to date show 53 safe relinquishments, and 56 unsafe abandonments with 27 of those babies not surviving.

2008

Alaska and Nebraska, the final two states without a Safe Haven law, both passed Safe Haven legislation; all 50 states now have a Safe Haven law on their books. In Illinois this year, we record ten safe relinquishments, five unsafe abandonments with three of those babies dead. Totals to date since enacted reflect 48 safe relinquishments, 54 unsafe abandonments with 27 of those babies dead.

2007

Legislation signed by the Governor on August 17 mandates a uniform Safe Haven sign to be displayed at all designated Safe Havens state wide. This year saw ten safe and legal relinquishments in Illinois, four unsafe abandonments, and one baby dead. Totals since enacted reflect 38 safe relinquishments under the law, 49 unsafe abandonments with 24 babies dead.

2006

The Abandoned Newborn Protection Act was amended to allow the relinquishment of infants up to seven days old. Additionally, signs were mandated in Chicago to be posted outside all designated Safe Haven locations, and the Safe Haven Act was added to the Comprehensive Health Education Program requiring the teaching of the law to all students in health education classes. 2006 recorded four babies illegally abandoned, two of those babies found dead, and eight legally relinquished. Totals since enacted reflect 28 safe relinquishments, 45 unsafe abandonments with 23 babies dead.

2005

Legislators approved removing the Sunset Clause, thus making the Illinois Newborn Infant Protection Act a permanent law in Illinois. During that year, 12 babies were illegally abandoned, of whom five died. During that same year, nine babies were safely and legally relinquished. Totals since enacted reflect 20 safe relinquishments under the law, 41 unsafe abandonments with 21 babies dead.

2004

the law was amended adding police stations to the list of designated Safe Haven locations. During that year, 11 babies were illegally abandoned, six of them, dead. During that same year, six babies were safely and legally relinquished. Totals since enacted reflect 11 safe relinquishments under the law, 29 unsafe abandonments with 16 babies dead.

2003

The Governor proclaimed April 4 as Save Abandoned Babies Day. Public awareness efforts continued. During that year, seven babies were illegally abandoned, of whom five died. During that same year, three babies were safely and legally relinquished. Totals since enacted reflect five safe relinquishments under the law, 18 unsafe abandonments with ten babies dead.

2002	Eight babies were illegally abandoned. Of those eight, four died. During the same timeframe, two babies were safely and legally relinquished under the Act. Totals since enacted reflect two safe relinquishments under the law, 11 unsafe abandonments with five babies dead.

August 17, 2001

The Abandoned Newborn Protection Act was signed into law August 17, 2001, with unanimous support. From August 17 2001 through the end of that year, there were three unsafe abandonments, with one of those babies found dead. The focus turned to raising public awareness. With the cooperation of the media, and ardent efforts on the part of Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, the Act began to show results.

February, 2001

An intense lobbying effort began in February of 2001, with Representative Elizabeth Coulson presenting the Act to the Illinois House (HB0632), and Senator Doris Karpiel presenting to the Senate (SB216).

December 1, 2000

SAB volunteers approved a final draft of the Act, which included input from more than 30 organizations and individuals with health, child welfare and legislative interests.

April 30, 2000

SAB volunteers released their first draft of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act to the Illinois health and child welfare communities.

March 18, 2000

SAB volunteers held their first meeting, and dedicated themselves to create legislation that would save newborn lives through the establishment of Safe Haven drop off points throughout Illinois.