BABY DUMP NEWS , March 28, 2007–v7 #13
March 28, 2007 – 1:05 pm
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
March 28, 2007–v7 #13
Distributed weekly by:
Marley Elizabeth Greiner, Executive Chair, Bastard Nation
Disclaimer: Some newspapers keep articles on 7-14 days (or less) free access and then forward them to paid archives. Please feel free to send articles and websites of interest to maddogmarley@worldnet.att.net
All links are tested just before sending.
READ: The Daily Bastardette, safe haven and adoption commentary,
http://bastardette.blogspot.com
THANKS: Anita, Rebecca
***THIS WEEK***
CALIFORNIA–3 abandoned babies have same mother
KENTUCKY–14 OF 15 SH babies born and abandoned in hospitals–not what official expected
MINNESOTA–Newborn found dead in Mississippi
NEW YORK–Gala at Lincoln Center to promote baby abandonment
TEXAS–Charges dropped on Chelcey Pollock
GERMANY–Clergy oppose babyklappe scheme; Greens support
…and more
***STATES***
CALIFORNIA
LA Times, March 23, 2007
Student pleads not guilty in baby’s death
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-ashcraft23mar23,0,3319371.story?coll=la-home-local
LOS ANGELES–Update on Holly Ashcraft case (BDN v5 #42, 44-45, 46-47; v6 #3. 7, 39, 40, 48; v7 #3, 6, 7, 10-11). Murder charges re-instated; Ashcraft pleads not guilty again.
Fresno Bee, March 27, 2007
DNA links Orosi babies
http://www.fresnobee.com/270/story/37694.html
OROSI–Update on Orosi babies case. Sheriff’s investigators say 3 infants found abandoned in same Orosi neighborhood over 22 month old period have same mother. First 2 found alive are full siblings; 3rd found dead late last year was half-sibling. Last baby, Angelita de Orosi (Little Angel of Orosi) will be buried this week. Leads exhausted. (#1 bench baby case (BDN v5 #7, 8. #2 pick-up truck #1 case BDN v6 #3. #3 pick-up truck #2 case, BDN v6 #48)
Visalia Times-Delta, March 27, 2007
Abandoned babies had same mom
http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070327/NEWS01/703270301
OROSI–Review of cases. Third baby died from exposure at 12-14 hours of age. $5000 reward offered by Tulare County Secret Witness Program. Comments.
Fox News, Reno, (NV), March 28, 2007
Orosi mom leaves three newborns to die
http://www.foxreno.com/news/11421776/detail.html
OROSI–Review of case. Orosi population only 7300–someone must know something. Numerous comments from locals.
CONNECTICUT
New Haven Register, March 28, 2007
Identity of infant’s killer known, but prosecution ruled out
http://www.nhregister.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18135275&BRD=1281&PAG=461&dept_id=517514&rfi=6
CLINTON–Police believe they know killer of Baby X, found dead in January 1975, but say they can’t prove it in court because pathologist who performed autopsy died and they need his corroborating evidence to convict. Case re-opened in 2003; police have talked to family members; DNA matches woman ID’d by family.
GEORGIA
WXIA-TV, , March 26, 2007
Reward offered in dumped baby case
http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=94527
SANDY SPRINGS–Update on townhome case. (BDN v7 #10-11, 12). Sandy Springs police offer $5000 reward. Picture.
ILLINOIS
Chicago Daily Southtown, March 22, 2007
Abandonment could have been “tragedy”
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/news/308310,221NWS8.article
WORTH–Update on Worth fire station case (BDN v7 #12). Baby probably left outside for at least an hour in weather dipping into the 40s. Worth Police Chief Pat O’Connor, praises mother for leaving baby but warns, “There is nothing from keeping a stray animal from attacking or exposure to the elements. We could easily have a tragedy on our hands. “She was courageous enough to trust the law and love the baby so much that she wants him to have a happy and healthy and long life. I applaud her for having done the right thing and for taking responsible action in a very difficult situation that you and I may never understand,” says Dawn Geras from the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation. Since baby was technically not SH, DSFS is investigating, but police are not.
Chicago Tribune, March 22, 2007
Cops fear baby abandoned taken from donation box
BERWYN–Police receive report that baby may have been left in clothing donation box. Collection driver reports she saw what appeared to be a baby dressed in a snowsuit inside box. A screaming woman approached her, told her to “get away” from her baby, grabbed it and drove away.
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Cabinet of Health and Family Services/Parenting Magazine, March 22, 2007
Safe Infants Act allows parents to safely surrender babies
http://www.emaxhealth.com/20/10444.html
FRANKFORT–Press release on the benefits of SH described as helping women “concerned about becoming parents.” 15 babies SH; all but 1 born in a hospital. 1 adopted, one returned to mother. “We didn’t expect this law to affect so many women who delivered at a medical faculty, “says Lisa Durbin, manager of CHFS Child Safety Branch. “But for the health of the babies that has even a positive result.” …Becoming a parent is hard work, but the choice to let another family raise your baby is also a struggle. For many women, safely surrendering their baby is the option they feel is best for the child.
Kentucky.com, March 22, 2007
Police: Family that found abandoned baby may have known parents
http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/23777.html
BOWLING GREEN–Update on Simpson County Baby John Doe case (BDN v7 #9) Police suspect that parents of baby were an acquaintance of an acquaintance of family who found baby. “The parents were familiar with them, but the family may have not been as familiar with these people” says Sheriff’s Capt. Michel Rigg. “I think it just boils down to these people knew that this was a Hispanic family, so they put their baby there, hoping the family was going to keep it.
MASSACHUSETTS
Milford Daily News, March 22, 2007
Baby Safe Haven law gets vote of support
http://www.milforddailynews.com/homepage/x1320238435
BOSTON–Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities votes unanimously to lift sunset clause and continue “BSH” law. Sen. Karen Spilka says, “It’s vital to keep the doors open to people who want to surrender their children safely. Bill will likely be assigned to another committee for further review.
MICHIGAN
Detroit Free Press, March 22, 2007
Susan Ager: Abandon silence, not newborns
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/COL02/703220319
DETROIT–Update on motel baby case (BDN v7 #12). Says “we” killed baby “by keeping too quiet about laws in all but a handful of states that let new parents drop off unwanted infants at hospitals or fire or police stations No questions are asked. No charges are filed. That way, someone else can adopt and love those babies.” Lists other solutions to abandonment: abstinence and contraceptive education; Plan B; free early abortions for the poor. Calls for posters in every public restroom in America that include information on free contraception, Planned Parenthood’s 1-800 number and another for “a legitimate federal clearinghouse on the adoption option, and SH information.
Ann Arbor News, March 27, 2007
Michigan offers refuges for unwanted newborns
http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-22/1175006451122170.xml&coll=2
ANN ARBOR–Governor declares April 10 as “Safe Delivery of Newborns Day” to make public aware of SH law. 44 cases since law went into effect. Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County has been involved in 3 case since 2006. “Lately, what’s been happening is women have been giving birth in a hospital and leave the baby at the hospital” says CC adoption counselor Elly Falit.
MINNESOTA
Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 26, 2007
Infant’s body found in river
http://www.twincities.com/ci_5527196
RED WING–Prairie Island tribal police report body of baby girl, probably newborn, discovered at Mississippi River marina at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 3rd case in 8 years.
St. Paul Pioneer Press, March 27, 2007
Baby girl found in Mississippi likely drifted for months
http://www.twincities.com/ci_5532353?nclick_check=1
RED WING–Initial autopsy fails to determine cause of death. Body probably in water since late fall or early winter.
WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, March 28, 2007
Woman plans to bury baby girl found in Mississippi
http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_086230326.html
RED WING–Jeanne Madtson, who organizes funerals for abandoned babies, plans to name and hold funeral for latest case. Will bury her with body of her stillborn daughter.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Foster’s Daily Democrat, March 17, 2007
Letters: Bastard Nation does disservice (scroll to 5th letter)
DOVER–Morriseys refute earlier letter from editor of BDN. Claims editor is on “disinformation campaign.” Supports Wendelboe and Phyllis Woods for supporting SH and (apparently) parental notification for teen abortion. “We applaud Fran Wendelboe and Phyllis Woods for their proper legislative actions, compassion and courage that Greiner and her Bastard Nation DBA lack. ”
NEW YORK
Christian News Wire, March 22, 2007
Gala benefit will fund pregnancy resource centers and safe haven program in the tri-state area
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/232432562.html
NEW YORK CITY–Sen. Sam Brownback and NCMB host Larry Kudlow will speak at the Children First Foundation’s Gala Concert for Adoption” at Lincoln Center on April 11. Effort to raise awareness of SH. Tim and Aedan Jaccard from AMT-COF will be honored. “The Gala’s important goal, “says Dr. Elizabeth Rex, CFF President, “is to help fund these outstanding organizations that generously provide desperate women with the financial and moral support they so often need in order to choose life and consider adoption for unwanted pregnancies or unwanted newborns.” Benefit Committee includes leader from NYS Right to Life Committee, the CT Right to Life Committee, the NJ Family Policy Council, and the Family Institute of CT. Ticket price begins at $250.
OHIO
Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, March 27, 2007
Quarry baby’s father freed
http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/03/26/quarry-babys-father-freed/
ELYRIA–Update on Jessica Coleman/Tom Truelson case BDN v5 # 30, 31, 33, 40, 48, 52; v6 #6, 7, 8, 35, 37, 38, 46, 48). Truelson granted early release after serving 13 months of 2 year sentence for evidence tampering gross abuse of a corpse, and obstruction justice. Prosecutor objects.
TENNESSEE
WREG-TV, Memphis, March 27, 2007
Safe Haven law moving to Tennessee classrooms
http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?S=6286580
NASHVILLE–State Senate passes SB 293, but with amendment that will only “urge” SH be included in high school curriculum.
TEXAS
Houston Chronicle, March 22, 2007
DA dismisses charges against dead baby’s mom
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4651553.html
RICHMOND–Update on Chelcey Pollock case (BDN v6 #10, 14, 15). Prosecutors drop indictment against Pollock, accused of causing serious bodily injury to son and then burying body. 2 experts claim infant was born dead; autopsy inconclusive. Grand Jury will hear case and can decide whether to issue new indictment or decline to indict.
***INTERNATIONAL***
CHINA
People’s Daily, March 23, 2007
Gov’t rewards kindly scrap collector with hukou
http://english.people.com.cn/200703/23/eng20070323_360319.html
CHENGMAI COUNTY–Scrap picker and odd jobber, Yao Yide, 53, and wife who have adopted 14 abandoned baby girls in last 18 years, granted “hukou” (household registration.) County government and government of Fushan Twn. raise funds to build 2-storey new home for them. Local residents donate food, quilts, TV sets, washing machines, computers and other goods. Tuition fees waived. “As a man who earns his keep by picking up waste, it never crossed my mind that I might be able to live in such a good house…I have nothing to worry about. What I expect now is that my daughters will study hard and do well in school. ”
CYPRUS
Cyprus Mail, March 28, 2007
“Abandoned baby doing fine”
http://www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=31530&cat_id=1
PARALIMNI–Police look for newborn left outside garage in plastic bag. Only clue is grew coat he was wrapped in.
EMIRATES
Gulf News, March 28, 2007
Mothers killing newborn “is alien to UAE society”
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/03/28/10114188.html
DUBAI–UAE culture, values, ethics, and Sharia law protect country against newborn murders says Dubai’s Public Prosecution Dept.
ENGLAND
Islington Tribune, March 23, 2007
Fresh plea over doorstep baby
http://www.thecnj.co.uk/islington/032307/news032307_10.html
LONDON–Update on Baby Christina, case (BDN v5 #13. Police issue new appeal for mother to come forward. Woman called Whittington Hospital claiming to be mother, but didn’t leave details. Baby now adopted and renamed Molly.
GERMANY
London Times, March 27, 2007
“Dump your children here” box to stop mothers killing their babies
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1572569.ece
NO DATELINE–Feature on German babyklappes. Police at loss to explain surge in neonaticides this year (23). City councils around country launch advertising campaign with slogan, “Before babies land in the rubbish bin…”Senior clergy and some charities criticize campaign fearing that it will encourage baby abandonment. Lists recent cases. Political support comes from Greens. Comments.
ABC News, March 27, 2007
Germany fights infanticide surge with safe haven baby drops
http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=2984860&page=1
NO DATELINE–Shorter feature on babyklappes. Quotes from critics. “They’re dropped off as no-name babies, or anonymous babies. So once they are handed off, these babies are almost immediately up for adoption, and they’ll never be able to trace their roots,” says Regula Bott, anti-babyklappe activist. Prof. Anke Rohde, psychiatrist at the Medical University Clinic in Bonn says drops are no solution. “This may be one way to deal with the problem but certainly can’t be the only way. Mothers caught in such a horrific situation are completely stressed out–they can’t even think straight. The risk is that because of that stressful situation they’ll ignore or simply overlook the possibility to drop off their babies. More needs to be done in order to help these women.
MALAYSIA
Sabah Daily Express, March 22, 2007
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=48442
TAWAU–Newborn boy, covered by ants, found by plantation worker; sarong and towel nearby. Baby in good condition at hospital; investigation continues
Malay Mail, March 28, 2007
When joy turns to horror
http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/mm/Weekend/Hotnews/20070324105106/Article/index_html
KUALA LAMPUR–Stats on abandonment: 320 cases from 2003-2006, with Selangor recording highest number. In 2003 92 cases reported nationwide, followed by 78 in 2004, 67 in 2005, and 83 inn 2006. Majority are newborns. In most case responsible parties never identified; majority are mothers.
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