THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY MASSER, CULVER, BAKER, R. BROWN, DiGIROLAMO, EVERETT, FLECK, GEIST, GEORGE, HARHART, HELM, HENNESSEY, KAUFFMAN, KNOWLES, KORTZ, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MICOZZIE, MILLARD, MOUL, PICKETT, QUINN, READSHAW, ROCK, SAYLOR, SWANGER, VEREB, VULAKOVICH, WATSON AND YOUNGBLOOD, JUNE 11, 2012

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JUNE 11, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Designating July 11, 2012, as "Safe Haven Day" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, On July 11, 2001, an infant was found in a garbage

dumping bin compactor at the Sunbury Municipal Waste Transfer

Station; and

WHEREAS, The infant, given the name "Baby Mary," was murdered

by her mother shortly after her birth; and

WHEREAS, The public outcry over the murder of "Baby Mary" led

the General Assembly to pass the Safe Haven Act of 2002; and

WHEREAS, The Safe Haven Act of 2002, also known as the

Newborn Protection Act, allows parents of a newborn to leave the

newborn in the care of a hospital without fear of criminal

liability provided that certain criteria are met; and

WHEREAS, The goal of the act is to find a safe and permanent

home for all newborns; and

WHEREAS, The act has been credited with saving the lives of

numerous children; and

WHEREAS, July 11, 2012, will mark the 11th anniversary of the

birth and death of "Baby Mary"; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting to remember "Baby Mary" and to

recognize the law she inspired, which has saved numerous

children in this Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate July

11, 2012, as "Safe Haven Day" in Pennsylvania.