Digital Commons Network^™

Deserting Mothers, Abandoned Babies, Lost Fathers: Dangers In Safe Havens, Jeffrey A. Parness

Faculty Peer-Reviewed Publications

Safe Haven laws allow genetic mothers to abandon their newborns with no questions asked. Newborns are then protected from potential abuse or neglect and can be adopted at an early age into loving and welcoming families. Mothers are free to go on with their lives knowing that the best interests of their children have been secured. So what is wrong? The problem lies with the law's neglect of the genetic fathers. Seemingly, the parenthood opportunities often are lost without anyone asking the genetic fathers if they care. Furthermore, no matter how much better the children's lives, proper social policy demands …