Timeline

On March 18, 2000, Save Abandoned Babies (SAB) volunteers held their first meeting, and dedicated themselves to create legislation that would save newborn lives through the establishment of Safe Haven drop off points throughout Illinois.

 On April 30, 2000, they released their first draft of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act to the Illinois health and child welfare communities.

 On December 1, 2000, SAB volunteers approved a final draft of the Act, which included input from more than 30 organizations and individuals with health, child welfare and legislative interests.

An intense lobbying effort began in February of 2001, with Representative Elizabeth Coulson presenting the Act to the Illinois House (HB0632), and Senator Doris Karpiel presenting to the Senate (SB216). 

 The Abandoned Newborn Protection Act was signed into law August 17, 2001, with unanimous support. Unfortunately, while lobbying efforts were underway from February 2001 through the end of the year, five newborns were abandoned unsafely; of those, two died.

 The focus turned to raising public awareness.  With the cooperation of the media, and ardent efforts on the part of Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, the Act began to show results.  In 2002, eight babies were illegally abandoned.  Of those eight, four died.  During the same timeframe, two  babies were safely and legally relinquished under the Act.

 In 2003, the Governor proclaimed April 4 as Save Abandoned Babies Day.  Public awareness efforts continued.  During that year, seven babies were illegally abandoned, of whom five died.  During that same year, three babies were safely and legally relinquished.

 In 2004, the law was amended adding police stations to the list of designated Safe Haven locations.  During that year, 11 babies were illegally abandoned, 5 of them, dead.  During that same year, six babies were safely and legally relinquished.

 In 2005, legislators approved removing the Sunset Clause, thus making the Illinois Newborn Infant Protection Act a permanent law in Illinois. During that year, 12 babies were illegally abandoned, of whom five died.  During that same year, nine babies were safely and legally relinquished.

 In 2006, the Abandoned Newborn Protection Act was amended to allow the relinquishment of infants up to seven days old.  Additionally, signs were mandated in Chicago to be posted outside all designated Safe Haven locations, and the Safe Haven Act was added to the Comprehensive Health Education Program requiring the teaching of the law to all students in health education classes.  2006 recorded four babies illegally abandoned, two of those babies found dead, and 7 legally relinquished.

Through November 30, 2007 there have been ten safe and legal relinquishments in Illinois. Legislation signed by the Governor on August 17 now mandates a uniform Safe Haven sign to be displayed at all designated Safe Havens state wide.  To find out how you can help, email info@SaveAbandonedBabies.org.