  |
|
|
 |
The
Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution
April 2,
2002
Section: Metro News
Edition: Home; The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Page: B3
'BABY GRACE' GETS CREDIT: Desperate moms may get a break
YOLANDA RODRIGUEZ; Staff
It's not
every day that a baby gets credit for passing a bill through
the state Legislature.
But supporters
credited the story of "Baby Grace" for the state Senate's
approval Monday of the "Safe Place For Newborns Act."
The Senate
joined the state House in approving legislation ensuring that
mothers who abandon their babies at hospitals within one week
of birth will not be prosecuted.
Supporters
said the bill, which was first introduced last year without
success, got a boost after "Baby Grace" was found dumped in
a trash bin in Savannah in January.
A garbage
truck driver saw the baby's hands moving just as he was about
to dump a load of garbage into his truck's compactor. The
newborn was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center,
where hospital staffers dubbed her "Baby Grace."
"She really
touched people's hearts. The legislation passed because of
her," said Amy Hughes, Memorial's director of government and
business relations. Hospital staff had urged legislators to
pass the bill.
"She's
beautiful, just beautiful," said state Rep. Judy Manning (R-Marietta),
who sponsored the bill. "This will give babies a chance at
life and a chance for a happy and healthy family."
"Baby Grace"
was placed in foster care after she was discharged from the
hospital.
Under
the legislation, desperate mothers could legally turn their
newborns over to personnel at a hospital or a medical facility
that has a birthing center.
The bill
passed 43-6, and must return to the House so members can approve
a minor change made in a Senate committee.
The bill's
fate seemed to be in doubt last month when a Republican lawmaker
tried to add on an abortion-related bill while it was in committee.
But Sen.
Mike Beatty (R-Jefferson) withdrew his substitute, which would
have required doctors to counsel women about the dangers of
abortion.
Sen. Mitch
Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) was one of those who opposed it, saying
it would encourage irresponsible behavior.
"Abandonment
of a baby is irresponsible behavior," he said.
But supporters
like Rep. Barbara Massey Reece (D-Menlo) said the bill will
save babies' lives.
"It simply
gives a mother who feels trapped a chance," Reece said.
Copyright 2002 The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution
return
to main...
|
|
  |
|
