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Committee sends ‘baby box’ concept to public hearing after debate over anonymity and hospital costs
Summary
The Committee on Children voted to raise an act authorizing hospitals to install exterior devices to facilitate voluntary infant surrender. Lawmakers debated existing safe-haven statutes, anonymity, hospital fiscal impacts and statistics on surrenders; the motion passed on a roll-call vote and will go to public hearing.
Hartford — After extended debate, the Connecticut General Assembly Committee on Children on Tuesday voted to raise a bill that would authorize hospitals to install exterior devices, often called “baby boxes,” to facilitate the voluntary surrender of infants to emergency department staff and move the concept to a public hearing.
Representative Martinez moved the concept and Representative Dauphine seconded. Supporters argued the devices can save infants’ lives by providing an anonymous, immediate option outside a staffed hospital entrance; critics warned the measure could create costly structural mandates…
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