The Nebraska legislature passed a safe haven law that allows parents to drop off their unwanted children at hospitals in Nebraska. There is no age restriction on the law and 19 children varying from ages 1 to 17 have been dropped at local hospitals. Parents from Iowa and Michigan have dropped off their children as well. No child under the age of one has been dropped off. The original intent of the law was to provide a safe haven for babies. As you can see the law is being abused and lawmakers and local radio show hosts are in a tizzy. This is a perfect example of the unintended consequences of legislation. The law was passed quickly before last year's session ended and some people saw this coming. This failed legislation shines a light on the myriad of other problems state regulations of custody laws and family structure have caused. Marriage law plays favorites with a preferred family structure. Divorce laws are biased against fathers. There may be a financial incentive to get divorced when children are involved. The courts decide who gets custody and custody is not easily transferable. If custody was easily transferable to fathers, mothers, grandparents and even church charities instead of state sponsored foster care the safe haven law would be unnecessary. The law will probably be changed in January to limit the age to three days after birth. Does any one else have thoughts on family law or Nebraska's state sponsored abandonment program?
Why should the parents have to drive all the way to the hospital?
They have to go to the hospital because of all the other legalities involved in the family structure. You can't give your kids to any one but the state.
Are foster homes akin to state ran orphanages?
Forsmant:Does any one else have thoughts on family law or Nebraska's state sponsored abandonment program?
An improvement over the status quo.
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