BY K.P. SANDER
Pomona – Supervisor Don Knabe has long been a proponent of protecting the innocent and vulnerable children in Los Angeles County. In fact, he established the “Safe Surrender” program, which allows a mother to legally surrender an infant that is no more than three days old – as long as the infant shows no signs of abuse – to any L.A. County hospital or fire station, with no questions asked.
Knabe, who represents the Fourth District (stretching from Marina del Rey to Diamond Bar) for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, reported that another newborn was safely surrendered at a Pomona hospital on Mon., June 16. This is the 119th infant to be surrendered since the inception of his program 13 years ago, and the sixth one this year. Another baby girl was surrendered in Tarzana just this month, on June 2.
“In the last few weeks, two mothers have made the difficult, but brave, choice to safely surrender their babies,” Knabe said. “Now these two baby girls have the chance to grow up and be part of a loving family.”
The newborns are tended to at the hospital, and then placed in protective custody. Families that have been approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services will have a chance to welcome these precious infants into their homes.
One can only speculate about the situations surrounding women faced with this type of choice. But a newborn that is safely surrendered is definitely a cause for celebration in contrast to the horrors of those found in dumpsters or otherwise. The right choice can be made, anonymously, and without shame or blame.
If you would like to know more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.
