It is hard to argue with a law that allows parents to abandon their babies safely at a hospital, firehouse, etc., no questions asked. Especially considering the alternatives.
But when Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill that basically didn't limit the age -- tweens and teens were allowed, too -- I have to admit: I guffawed. Nobody's going to "anonymously" drop off children old enough to recite their phone numbers and point the direction home!
But get this: a couple of people did. Two boys -- 15 and 11! -- were left at Nebraska hospitals this past weekend. They are the first to be legally abandoned under the state's new law.
The teenager was dropped off by his 44-year-old aunt (his legal guardian). She said he has behavioral problems that she could no longer manage. The 11-year-old was dropped off by his mother, who said she believed she could no longer care for him. Authorities say neither showed signs of abuse or neglect.
What do you think? Heartbreaking? Outrageous? Or symptoms of a bigger problem. I mean, why didn't these women have more support for raising kids with behavioral problems? Where is the assistance for these types of special needs? Or is there plenty of assistance and these women just didn't care enough?
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Photo: bbc.co.uk
