What do a 15-year-old girl and a 34-year-old woman have in common if they are both pregnant with newborn children they either can't care for or can't afford? They can turn to New Island Hospital's Safe Haven Program.

According to national statistics, more than 133 newborns were abandoned nationally over the past four years by their mothers who had nowhere to turn. Of these babies, 33 died before or soon after recovery. Now, women have a place to turn to in their time of need, without fear of persecution for abandonment or police investigation. Best of all, the child promptly receives medical attention and Child Protective Services will ensure the child finds a home.

"New Island Hospital's Safe Haven Program seeks to save the lives of newborns in danger of abandonment and helps preserve the health and future of their mothers," explains Paul Haberman, ER nursing director and project coordinator of the program. "Our goal is to protect the newborns until they can be given into the care of appropriate personnel."

On July 18, 2000, New York State signed into law the Abandoned Infant Protection Act. This act made it legal for a birth mother to leave her baby at a Safe Haven within the first five days of life. It also ensured that the mother would not be prosecuted for abandonment, and established that the police would not investigate.

New Island Hospital has formed a multidisciplinary team to implement the Safe Haven program. Signs, posters and literature have been disseminated, staff has been in-serviced on proper protocols and the emergency room has been designated as the Safe Haven "drop-off point"

When a mother arrives with a child, she is not required to give any information. However, for the baby's benefit, she may offer information about her family medical history. This information can be provided then or the mother may decide to complete a questionnaire and return it by mail. All information will be kept confidential and the mother's identity protected. Both the baby and mother will receive medical treatment.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from New Island Hospital's Safe Haven, call 1-877-796-HOPE.

New Island Hospital in Bethpage is a 223-bed, not-for-profit hospital sponsored by Winthrop South Nassau University Health System and Catholic Health Services of Long Island.