Madison – Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R – Oconomowoc) responded to the tragic discovery of a newborn baby in a field in Jefferson County last week:
“I am deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear about this senseless loss of life in Whitewater. What makes this situation all the more heartrending is we currently have safe haven laws on the books in our state. Parents have the ability to surrender their newborn child to law enforcement or a hospital up to 72 hours after birth, with no questions asked,” shared Rep. Dittrich.
Last session, the State Legislature further expanded safe haven laws, ensuring that information was required in high school classes alongside human sexuality/sex education curriculum.
“While this infant death is horrifying, it didn’t need to happen. I think these events further prove that while the legislature has taken steps to prevent these actions, there is more that can be done to ensure new parents know that the Safe Haven Law is a viable option that protects both them and the baby and perhaps expand the window of infant surrender,” concluded Rep. Dittrich.
