Web Site Helps Pregnant Women in Crisis

Web Site Helps Pregnant Women in Crisis


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

Kim Johnson ReportingSponsors of a law designed to save the lives of unwanted babies say it could do more. Their goal is to make more women aware of Utah's Newborn Safe Haven Law.

For some women scared and in crisis, a new baby is an overwhelming reality.

Sen. Patrice Arent, Sponsor of Safe Haven Law: "The baby is born and they don't want anyone to know they were pregnant. Also, in some cases they take that baby to an unsafe place and the baby doesn't survive."

In Utah and 47 other states a woman can leave her newborn with a hospital anonymously. The state assumes legal custody until the baby is adopted and the birth mother is free from investigation or prosecution.

Sen. Patrice Arent, Sponsor of Safe Haven Law: "The reason we are hear today is because a baby was saved at this hospital because of this law."

But many women may not know this is an option. Police have found abandoned newborns in desk drawers, dumpsters, and public bathrooms.

Capt. Gary Cox, West Jordan Police Dept.: "We can't leave them in a basket on the doorstep anymore. That's not safe either."

To raise awareness and help assist women in crises, there is a new toll-free 24 hour hotline and website.

Sen. Patrice Arent: "Now we've got the tools to make sure many many more people hear about this."

The number and website will also assist with adoption, location of shelters, and other pregnancy resources.

That phone number is 1-866-694-BABY (2229) and the website is www.utahsafehaven.org.

Related links

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

Utah

STAY IN THE KNOW

Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Newsletter Signup

KSL Weather Forecast

KSL Weather Forecast
Play button