Submitted by KOLD Web Staff
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012, 7:52am
Pima County sheriff's deputies say an abandoned baby was found at Northwest Medical Center.
Deputies responded to make sure the baby was healthy and that there were no signs of abuse. The baby is said to be in good condition and is less than a day old.
The hospital serves as a safe haven center for newborns.
Arizona's "Baby Safe Haven" law allows newborns 72 hours old or younger to be anonymously dropped off at a staffed fire station, a hospital, an adoption agency or some churches with no questions asked.
Workers at Northwest Medical say that this type of case is very rare. The baby is now in the custody of Child Protective Services.
According to reports citing state data, 20 babies have been dropped off at facilities like this statewide.
Those numbers were recorded from when the program took effect in 2001. That data runs through September of last year.
Of course, Tucson News Now told you a month ago about a baby that was found at a midtown apartment complex. The child was inside a duffle bag on the top of a staircase.
Investigators say this program is most effective when mothers follow protocol: take the baby, under 72 hours old, to a safe baby haven site, and hand over the child directly so medical experts can ensure the continued health of the child.
Investigators say the site makes all the difference.
"This has a happy outcome because this was done at the correct location, and we want people to understand this program exists to allow for that, this is the ideal ending," said Pima County Sheriff's Deputy Renee Carlson.
To learn more about the safe baby program, click here: http://www.tucsonsafebaby.org/
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
I just wanted to add that whom ever the mom was she should be commended. Way to go Mom, you did the right thing. I know it may have been one of the hardest decisions to make, but you made the right choice. Thank You.
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