FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
July 30, 2004

Contact: Catherine Yuan 617-308-7906

Greer Tan Swiston (second from the right) joins Baby Safe Haven advocates Jean Morrisey (to Greer's right) and Michael Morrisey (far left) in celebrating Lt. Gov. Healey's signing of the Baby Safe Haven Law this morning at the Boston Medical Center.

Massachusetts now has safe havens for newborns; Swiston witnesses signing

Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today signed into law the so-called "safe havens" legislation that allows new parents to safely leave their infants with state authorities instead of abandoning them. She was flanked by supporters including advocates Michael and Jean Morrisey of Lexington, and Greer Tan Swiston, candidate for State Representative in Newton. Massachusetts joins 46 other states that have already enacted similar bills.

"It's been a long time coming," commented Michael Morrisey, who has been fighting for this Bill to pass in Massachusetts since they got involved with an infant who had been left outside in the cold in November 2001. The child died, as do many unwanted newborns cast aside by panicked mothers. "When we buried that baby, we said 'No mas.' We kept our word."

The delay could be attributed to a small group of legislators who have been trying to bury this Bill. Kay Khan (D-Newton), David Torrisi (D-N. Andover), David Sullivan (D-Fall River), Kathleen Teahan (D-Whitman), Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Anne Paulsen (D-Belmont), Ellen Story (D-Amherst) have lobbied for two years against allowing the Bill to be discussed.

"I am not sure what they were afraid of or what they were trying to hide." Swiston says. ."I'm just glad the legislators finally recognized the importance of the Bill. I had little doubt that upon review it would be clear why we need this law."

The new law, signed by Healey at Boston Medical Center, allows a parent to anonymously leave a newborn who is less than seven days old at a designated facility - hospitals, police departments or staffed fire stations - without facing any legal consequences. The legislation requires the Department of Social Services to take immediate custody of the newborn and place the infant safely into foster care. Under the new law, parents are not automatically stripped of their parental rights.

"This bill is about saving lives," said Representative Barry Finegold, who sponsored the Bill. "If we can save just one, then it will be a success."

The law will be reviewed again in 2007. People interested in helping make this law a success and to save the lives of innocent newborns can contact www.amtchildrenofhope.com with donations, money, services and time. All forms of support would be greatly appreciated.

Individuals in need of putting the law to practice can call the hotline at 1-877-796-HOPE and trained counselors are waiting to help.

Swiston has been actively advocating for this Bill ever since the Morriseys appealed to her for help this past January. She intends to continue to help spread the word and promote the work of the Morriseys.

"I'm glad I was able to help. And I'm not even in office yet!" Swiston quips.

For more information about Swiston's campaign, see www.vote4greer.com or call campaign headquarters at (617) 308-7906. You can also send e-mail to campaign@greertanswiston.org or send correspondence to Committee to Elect Greer Swiston, P.O. Box 1, West Newton, MA 02465.