Heavenly Differences: 7th Heaven Creates Controversy
Episode of "7th Heaven" on Safe Haven laws sparks controversy On September 30, 2002, an episode of the popular family-rated television show "7th Heaven" tackled the sensitive issue of Safe Haven laws. These laws allow the anonymous abandonment of newborn babies at locations considered "safe" for the baby, and do not require any identification or history from the person who leaves the baby.
Safe Haven laws have been at the
center of controversy in the adoption community and elsewhere since they were originally proposed: opponents stating that they do not address the underlying problems, and can harm women and children; proponents stressing that saving even one child from dying justifies the laws.
On The Dais Marley Elizabeth Greiner states the case against Safe Haven laws and slams "7th Heaven's" treatment. Greiner is the co-founder and Executive Chair of Bastard Nation: The Adoptee Rights Organization. She is also the editor and publisher of
Baby Dump News, a weekly e-newsletter that tracks baby abandonments, Safe Haven legislation, and related topics.
William L. Pierce, Ph.D. thought Marley had it all wrong, and offered his rebuttal. Pierce was the Executive Director of the USA Committee for IAVAAN, and perhaps best known as the founder and past president of the National Council for Adoption. He was also, among other things, a Senior Fellow with the
Discovery Institute, a Seattle, WA, think tank.
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I see the purpose of Safe Haven laws. Yes, I would rather the child be left in a safe place rather than thrown into a garbage can or dumpster. But, is it teaching responsiblity to allow someone to walk in, hand their baby over, and not have to answer questions about it? No it is not. It is a continuation of the shame and guilt that is associated with adoption, just on a larger scale. In this way, it will be nearly impossible for the adopted child to find out where he/she came from. How will the adopted child feel when they realize that they were simply dropped off like dry cleaning or garbage? The ramifications of this law are far-reaching, both for the child left and the birth parents.
Posted by: culinary at 12/01/2005 03:33 PM
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