'Give Life A Chance' bill passed by the House
Mothers of newborns choosing not to keep their baby could have another legal option of where and when they can safely relinquish the child.
The “Give Life A Chance” provision in HF1967/ SF1675*, sponsored by Rep. Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) and Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake), would allow ambulances to pick up a child after a 911 call is placed by the mother or a person with the mother’s permission to relinquish the child.
The House passed the bill 127-1, as amended with a technical amendment. It now goes back to the Senate where the original bill passed 64-0 March 22.
Under current law, the mother has 72 hours after giving birth to relinquish her child to a hospital. Additionally, the bill would lengthen the time period from 72 hours after birth to up to seven days.
Other provisions include clarifying language related to children’s adoption; protection, support and care laws; and aligning them with federal laws and definitions. It also addresses adult foster care and mental health issues.
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Susan Hegarty (suehegarty [at] aol [dot] com) is a freelance writer/editor based in the Twin Cities and president of Pencil Thin Communications, Inc.
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