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Montefiore News Releases

March 29, 2007

New York City, NY, (March 29, 2007) – The J.E. and Z.B. Butler Child Advocacy Center of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore has created radio public service announcements geared to the youth market to help raise awareness among young people that there are ‘safe havens’ where unwanted newborn babies can safely be left instead of killing or abandoning them.

“This is a serious problem that is one hundred percent preventable,” said Karel Amaranth, Advocacy Center executive director.  “Under the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, the parent of a newborn can leave that child at most houses of worship, police or fire stations or hospitals without fear of prosecution.  Very often it is just a case of the new, young parent being overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the birth and the fear of what will happen to them if anyone finds out about it,” Amaranth said.

Unofficial statistics show that six infants were killed in this manner in New York City in 2006, three in the Bronx.

The Public Service Announcements have been placed on radio stations WQHT-FM, Hot 97 and WWPR-FM, Power 105.1.

For more information about the “Safe Haven” Law and The J.E. and Z.B. Butler Child Advocacy Center of The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore you may contact Ms. Amaranth or Medical Director, Dr. Linda Cahill at the Center at (718) 920-5833. 

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