media release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE16/11/09

Baby Sophia Brings Spotlight Back On Safe Havens

Senator Polley today urged all State and Federal elected representatives to increase the sense of urgency for establishing formal baby safe havens in Australia after the story of baby Sophia hit the media spotlight.

Baby Sophia was abandoned by her mother at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in May shortly after her birth and has remained in foster care since that time.

Senator Polley first raised the need for formal baby safe havens to be established in Australia in 2008 and has continued to lobby different levels of government for a nation-wide response to a serious social issue.

“How many babies need to be abandoned before we enact a meaningful legislative response to this issue?” Senator Polley asked. “These babies must come first when we consider how best to handle abandonment.”

“How fortunate for Sophia that she was at least left in the care of qualified, compassionate hospital staff.” Senator Polley continued. “Many babies have had less fortunate outcomes.”

It is a sad reality that some infants end their short lives in cardboard boxes, toilet stalls, backyards and rubbish tips.

Baby abandonment in Australia remains a criminal offence – a reality that will often lead parents to abandon newborns in less public places. The establishment of official baby safe havens would allow parents to relinquish newborn babies at safe locations with fully trained and qualified staff. Such locations could include hospitals, police stations and child health centres.

For additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sancia Colgrave on (03) 6331 2599.