BABY DUMP NEWS, May 16, 2007–v7 #20
May 16, 2007 – 12:47 pm
BABY DUMP NEWS:
A WEEKLY E-CHRONICLE OF NEWBORN ABANDONMENT
INFANTICIDE,
SAFE HAVEN LEGISLATION
AND RELATED ISSUES
May 16, 2007 –v7 #20
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: Maryanne, Toff
***THIS WEEK***
FLORIDA–Mom wants baby returned
HAWAI’I–Mike Morrisey warns Gov. Lingle of dire consequences should she veto SH again
NEW JERSEY–Lucila Ventura sentenced to 5 years
OHIO–Newborn found in park
AUSTRALIA–Prime Minister involved in newspaper row over abandoned baby
JAPAN–Stork Cradle open–3 year old left
…and more!
***NO COMMENT***
We have packets created for the mother in case she chooses to give the baby back.
…Prof. Prof. Darlene Bradley, director of emergency services at UC Irvine Medical Centre, Sydney Morning News, May 16, 2007
***STATES***
CALIFORNIA
Orange County Register, May 101, 2007
Who are parents of “Baby Doe”?
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1690603.php
STANTON–Update on CR Recycling case (BDN v4 #7). Sheriff releases enhanced photo of baby found on conveyer belt at CR Transfer in 2004. Autopsy revealed suffocation before baby was dumped in trash container. Two women questioned but didn’t match DNA. Currently no leads. Pictures.
COLORADO
News 9, Denver, May 10, 2007
Student accused of hiding dead baby appears in court
http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=69753
CASTLE ROCK–Update on Addie Kubisiak case (BDN v7 #6, 17). Charged with concealing body.
FLORIDA
Fox News 13-TV , Tampa, March 14, 2007
Hillsborough fire station is “safe haven for newborn”
TAMPA–3-day old baby dropped off at fire station; seems to be in good health. No details.
CBS4-TV, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, May 16, 2007
Catholic students learn lesson on teen pregnancy
http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_136152550.html
FORT LAUDERDALE–How to abandon your baby now part of curriculum in Broward and Palm Beach County Catholic high schools. Article focuses on Cardinal Gibbons HS in Lauderdale where students take part in group discussion and role playing sessions which include how to approach a girl who appears to be in pregnancy denial and how to encourage pregnant students to confide in an adult. A Safe Haven for Newborns wants to expand curriculum to public schools. Nick Silverio says there have been 61 SH cases; 34 newborns left in unsafe places with 22 of them dead. Video.
St. Petersburg Times, May 16, 2007
Mother asks to reclaim baby
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/16/Hillsborough/Mother_asks_to_reclai.shtml
TAMPA–Mother, 22, returns to fire station and asks for baby; told he was taken to hospital. As of writing of article, mother hasn’t contacted hospital. Nick Silverio from A Safe Haven for Newborns says they’ve worked with 2 women who asked for return of baby; one returned. Baby will go to one of 60 private adoption agencies for placement. First fire station case in Hillsborough County, but a baby left at Brandon Regional Hospital in May 2005. 71 SH cases; 34 unsafe abandonments with 22 deaths since law went into effect. (Note discrepancy with figures in above article.) SH sponsor Sandra Murman says reason numbers are so “low” is lack of promotion. New crop of SH billboards going up in Tampa Bay area soon. Comments.
HAWAI’I
Hawai’i Reporter, May 10, 2007
Hawai’i needs “Baby Safe Haven” law
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?b43f6c34-49be-4544-a6d0-7c3317830518
HONOLULU–Long “open letter” to HI Gov. Linda Lingle from Mike Morrisey with long list of consequences if she vetoes current bill. Sights support of Rudy Guilianni, Mitt Romney, Kerry Healy, Oprah, and Bill O’Reilly. Questions Lingle’s Republican credentials and warns she will lose support when “the press descends on Hawaii at the first deadly or near deadly abandonment or arrest for a surrendered baby.” Claims only 5 legislators and editor of BDN will support her; says Adam Pertman has been treated “as a fraud” over EBD’s report.
LOUISIANA
KPLC-TV, Lake Charles, May 14, 2007
Abandoned baby found alive
http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6514401&nav=0nqx
LAKE CHARLES–Newborn African-American girl found wrapped in pink blanket outside apartment complex. SH information.
KPLC-TV, Lake Charles, May
Mother of abandoned baby found
http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6521257&nav=0nqx
LAKE CHARLES–Mother of infant, now known as Baby Kari, located; wont’ be charged because “somebody was with her (baby) until police arrived.” Police refuse to release ID to protect “mother’s privacy.”
NEBRASKA
KETV-TV, Omaha, May 12, 2007
Abandoned infant found mother sought
http://www.ketv.com/news/13308550/detail.html
OMAHA–Newborn African-American boy discovered near apartment complex dumpster. State Sen. Rich Pahls says SH could have been an alternative. Adoption counselor April Blevins, says abandonment is rare; opposes SH, “Family members could be involved in this child’s life, birth parents, could be involved in the child’s life.”
WOWT-TV, Omaha, May 12, 2007
Abandoned baby’s mother sought
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/7478092.html
OMAHA–Details of discovery. Comments.
WOWT-TV, Omaha, May 12, 2007
Safe Haven law debate
http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/7480182.html
OMAHA–SH law tabled; lawmakers say bill sent message that it is OK to abandon a baby and questioned effectiveness of program. Nancy Foral, dir. of Essential Pregnancy Services says promoters aren’t abandoning law. Says SH is for parents afraid to go to places like EPS; it’s about “options.” SH sponsor Arnie Stuthman says he plans to reintroduce bill next year.
Omaha-World-Herald, May 14, 2007
Strange screeching noise leads Omaha woman to abandoned baby
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=2383733
OMAHA–Details of discovery. Picture.
Omaha World-Herald, May 15, 2007
Hearing is set for baby abandoned in Omaha
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=2384329
OMAHA–Hearing set for next week to determine next steps in case. Parents not located.
NEW JERSEY
Jersey City Journal, May 11, 2007
Tearful pleas by Lucila and her mom don’t seem to count
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1178865255289290.xml&coll=3
WEST NEW YORK–Update on Lucila Ventura/Jose Julio Ventura case (BDN v5 #38, 39, v6 #14, 50 v7 #17). While noting that Lucila had suffered years of sexual abuse, including hundreds of rapes, at the hands of her father, who killed one of her newborns and attempted to kill the other, judge sentences her to 5 years in prison. “”You have committed two atrocious acts against your own children. Yes, you were traumatized, but you knew exactly what you were doing . I cannot let you go; it would be a travesty and send a message to others.” Family, state-certified psychiatrist and family testified on her behalf.
NEW YORK
Rockville Centre Herald, May 11, 2007
New York Children of Hope safe haven program
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18323920&BRD=1601&PAG=461&dept_id=479859&rfi=6
ROCKVILLE CENTRE–Feature on Tim Jaccard and AMT Children of Hope. Lots of history of the organization and of Jaccard.
OHIO
Sandusky Register, May 11, 2007
Sentence suspended for Baby Easter’s mother
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/05/11/local_news/276632.txt
PORT CLINTON–Update on Jessica Hubley/Baby Easter case (BDN v4 #17, 19, 20, 24, 29, 31, 36; v5 #1, 9; v6 #1, 5, 37, 42). Hubley, 21, convicted of possession of cocaine and gross abuse of a corpse released after 64 days of her 180 days sentence. Picture. Comments.
Toledo Blade, May 16, 2007
Abandoned baby found in restroom at Findlay park
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/DEVELOPINGNEWS/70516021
FINDLAY–6th grader attending school orchestra pizza party at Riverside Park finds newborn boy wrapped in towel and inside cardboard box in restroom. Note with baby reads, “Please take care of me. I was born May 15th. (My mommy can’t).” Infant taken to Blanchard Valley Hospital.
Toledo Blade, May 17, 2007
6th grader find newborn baby boy in Findlay park restroom mother sought
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070517/NEWS03/705170382/0/NEWS24
FINDLAY–Details of Riverside Park case. Feature on Rebecca Simpson who found baby. Pictures.
VIRGINIA
Washington Post, May 12, 2007
30 years for woman who killed her newborn
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/11/AR2007051102081.html
ARLINGTON–Update on Maria Aguirre case (BDN v6 #14, 15,19). Aguirre, 21, sentenced to life with all but 30 years suspended for killing newborn daughter because she was afraid of losing boyfriend. Says she became pregnant by coyote who brought her and others into US illegally; was afraid boyfriend would leave her if he knew. Wants to be in El Salvador with her daughter.
***CANADA***
NEW BRUNSWICK
CBC New Brunswick, May 11, 2007
Woman charged in infant’s death fit to stand trial
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2007/05/11/nb-psychresult.html
OLD RIDGE–Becky Sue Morrow, 26, found fit to stand trial. Charged with disposing of body with intent to conceal birth. Currently lives with grandmother under house arrest. Trial set for June 11
******
***INTERNATIONAL***
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne Daily Telegraph, May 14, 2007
Baby dumped on Mother’s Day
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21723556-5007132,00.html
and
Brisbane Courier Mail, May 15, 2007
Baby recovers from cold start
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21730452-953,00.html
MELBOURNE–Police appeal to mother who left newborn Baby Catherine in cardboard box outside Dandenong Hospital. Suffering from hypothermia, but breathing on her own and otherwise health. Few leads. Police concerned about health of mother.
(Melbourne) The Age, May 15, 2007
Will there be a fairytale ending for Catherine?
MELBOURNE–Children’s Court releases photo of Baby Catherine to urge parents to come forward. Transferred to Royal Children’s Hospital with good prognosis and rapid recovery. Picture.
(Melbourne) The Age, May 15, 2007
Abandoned baby headline causes furore
MELBOURNE–Daily Telegraph headline, “How Could She?” questioning how mother could abandon newborn called “outrageous and “irresponsible” by Jeff Kennett, chair of beyondblue, a national initiative to counter depression. (I have not been able to locate this story). Attacks Telegraph editor David Penberthy, “This man is an absolutely irresponsible, uncaring unprofessional who goes and allows a headline like that to be written. I don’t think there’s any excuse for it.” Prime Minister John Howard gets into fray, “In defence of the Tele, that’s what most people say. I feel for the mother, I feel for the baby, I feel for the woman’s family but fair go to The Tele, after all, that is the natural reacting.” Kennett fears headline could be deter to locating mother. Penberthy argues back, “It’s just the sort of instant posturing for old Jeff the blow hard, who loves to just come on here and hang garbage on our paper because that’s part of his whole MO.”
Sydney Morning News, May 15, 2007
Kennett ire at dumped baby headline
MELBOURNE–More on row. Kennett says it’s unfair to judge mother because nobody knows her circumstances. Editor Penberthy hits back calling Kennett (former Liberal premier of Victoria) an “old Liberal party hack. Says “how could you” headline might encourage mother to come forward. “…there’s every chance the mother could look at that and think, yeah, how could I?”
(Melbourne) The Age, May 15, 2007
PM – Abandoned baby sparks debate
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/kennett-backs-newborns-mum/2007/05/16/1178995198495.html
MELBOURNE–Transcript of public statements by Kennett, Howard, Brooke Shields, and others on case and postpartum depression.
Sydney Morning News, May 16, 2007
Help for mothers who see no choice
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/help-for-mothers-who-see-no-choice/2007/05/15/1178995160203.html
SYDNEY–Feature on California’s SH law. Prof. Darlene Bradley, director of emergency services at UC’s Irvine Medical Centre says that SH information is included in free baby merchandise pack given to all new mothers. “We have packets created for the mother in case she chooses to give the baby back.” According to NDW spokesperson for Dept. of Community Services, her state has no SH because dept. is as concerned with mother’s health as baby’s. “We work with other agencies to locate the mother to make sure she has the medical services…she needs.” Picture.
Daily Telegraph,May 16, 2007
Outpouring of love for Catherine
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21737029-5006009,00.html
MELBOURNE–Parents haven’t come forward but Royal Children’s Hospital flooded with gifts, offers of support, and adoption inquiries. Also update on Leon Isaackson case (BDN v6 36, 37). Issackson says that mother is “heartbroken” over abandonment; room set up for them in grandmother’s home. Mom visits baby in fostercare every Friday. Picture.
(Melbourne) The Age, May 16, 2007
Abandoned newborn to be placed in care
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/kennett-backs-newborns-mum/2007/05/16/1178995198495.html
MELBOURNE–Baby Catherine returned to Dandenong Hospital, will be placed with foster family within a week. Kennett defends mother and complains about “terribly male” criticism of her. Picture.
EMIRATES
Gulf News, May 10, 2007
Maid “thought she delivered a dead baby girl”
http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/05/11/10124458.html
DUBAI–Update on MK case (BDN V7 #15). Short article on defense statement that MK delivered baby in restroom during a driving lesson.
INDIA
Bellevision Global, May 10, 2007
Mangalore: New-born baby found abandoned
http://www.bellevision.com/newshead.asp?nhid=4108
MARKANJA VILLAGE—-Newborn boy found on Kayipalla River bank; in good health.
JAPAN
Brisbane Times, May 10, 2007
Japanese hospital starts baby drop box
KUMAMOTO–Jikei Hospital opens “Crane’s Cradle” baby drop. Government still objects but can’t do anything about it. “In principle, parents should not abandon their babies anonymously,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tells reporters. “Between 1986–1992 a drop box operated at a hospital near Tokyo. 10 babies dropped off, but box was closed when somebody left a dead baby in it.
Japan Times, May 10, 2007
Calls flood Kumamoto hospital as it opens first baby hatch
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070511a2.html
KUMAMOTO–Hospital receives “flood” of phone inquiries but article doesn’t give details. Taji Hasuda, president of hospital’s operating company says he’d like project to “develop into a window for consultation for troubled people.” Chief Cabinet Sec Yasuhisa Shiozaki says, “Fundamentally, it’s parents who must raise their babies by themselves. It must be the government’s duty to extend some help for parents who cannot raise their babies for various reasons.” Babies left in hatch will be sent infant homes or adopted if parents remain anonymous. If babies are abused parents will be prosecuted if located. Pictures.
(Denver) Associated Content, May 11, 2007
Japan’s first “baby hatch” debuts to a mixed crowd
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/241532/japans_first_babyhatch_debuts_to_a.html
KUMAMOTO–Review of baby hatch; comments.
Mainichi Daily News, May 15, 2007
Boy, 3, abandoned at controversial baby drop-off point at hospital
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070515p2a00m0na005000c.html
KUMAMOTO–Three hours after Jikei Hospital opens Stork’s Cradle father drops off 3-year old boy who tells authorities, “I got on the bullet train and came here with my father.” Hospital declines comment.
Mainchi Daily News, May 16, 2007
Boy abandoned at hospital drop-off says dad told him to play hide-and seek
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20070517p2a00m0na001000c.html
KUMAMOTO–Boy says father took him to drop-off point and told him to play hide-and-seek. Says he’s from Fukuoka Prefecture.
Time Magazine, May 16, 2007
Japan rethinking baby “drop box”
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1621633,00.html
KUMAMOTO–Nationally distributed newspapers warn that Stork’s Crane is open for abuse and could traumatize children. Condemn father saying his actions could spur copycats. Local media reports that boy identified himself, but unclear if father has been identified. Police decide no crime was committed since child was left in situation where he was not exposed to immediate harm. Conservative Sankei editorializes, “Unlike a baby, a toddler may suffer from trauma. This little boy must be experiencing great loneliness. We urge his mother or father to come forward.” Calls abandonment “unforgivable.” Yomiuri says it’s too easy to judge program, but says it must be used for its original purpose.
LEBANON
Beirut Daily Star, May 12, 2007
Abandoned infant doing well at Southern Hospital
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_ID=1&article_ID=82188&categ_id=1
ZAHHRANI–Newborn girl Nour, found near garbage bin; in good condition but suffering from insect bites.
SCOTLAND
Glasgow Sunday Mail, May 13, 2007
Dead babies mum to wed
GLASGOW–Update on Susan MacLeod case (BDN v3 #12, 13). McLeod, who killed 2 newborns between 1996 and 2000 will marry Neil Harper in June. Marriage will coincide with end of probation. Harper supported McLeod through trial.
NIGERIA
allAfrica.com, May 10, 2007
Baby found dead inside gutter at Nyanya
http://allafrica.com/stories/200705100319.html
ABUJA–Day-old baby found dead in gutter; probably born in hospital.
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