An abandoned newborn was left at a North Side firehouse Monday by his mother, who had given birth at home, NBC5 reported on Monday.
The Illinois "Safe Haven" law allows a newborn to be left at a firehouse, police station or hospital within 72 hours of birth without legal repercussions. Legislation awaiting Gov. Rod Blagojevich's signature would extend the Safe Haven law, giving the mother seven days to bring her newborn to a designated place.
"Ninety percent of the time when a baby is relinquished, the person relinquishing them walks away," said Capt. Bob Martin of the Chicago Fire Department. "In this particular case, the mother stuck around a little bit, and she was able to be evaluated, and determined to be OK."
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