Mississippi House Bill HB244

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/23
• Refer: 1/5/23
• Failed: 2/9/23

Caption

Baby Drop off immunity; revise age of baby and who may drop off.

Impact

This legislation has implications for state laws concerning child welfare and parenthood. By extending the age limit for blanket immunity during relinquishment, the bill aims to reduce the potential harm to newborns by establishing a safe avenue for parents who feel they cannot care for their child. It also introduces provisions for better confidentiality protocols regarding the identities of the parents who are surrendering their children, thus promoting a non-judgmental environment. Hospitals and emergency medical providers are set to benefit from clearer guidelines as the bill outlines the necessary actions they must take when receiving a surrendered child.

Summary

House Bill 244 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the relinquishment of newborns in Mississippi. Primarily, the bill seeks to increase the age limit for a baby who can be 'dropped off' at designated medical providers without the fear of legal repercussions. The current law allows parents to surrender children aged seven days or younger; this bill proposes to raise that age to thirty days, expanding the protective measures for parents who may find themselves in dire situations. Additionally, it allows for designated persons, approved by the parents, to surrender a child and grants them the same legal immunity as the biological parents in these scenarios.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support on the premise of child safety and parental protection, it has also faced scrutiny. Critics may argue that expanding the parameters for surrender could inadvertently encourage abandonment while proposing that heightened anonymity may complicate efforts to provide adequate post-surrender support for these families. Moreover, the bill's provisions could lead to concerns regarding the health and welfare of children who fall into the care of emergency medical services, as well as the responsibility that such entities will have post-receipt of children. The discussion around HB244 reflects deeper societal issues pertaining to child welfare, parental support, and community health resources.