SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 63

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT COORDINATE AN EFFORT TO BETTER PUBLICIZE THE SAFE HAVEN FOR INFANTS ACT.

     WHEREAS, abandonment of a newborn infant is a tragic occurrence; and

     WHEREAS, such a tragedy is totally unnecessary in New Mexico since state law allows a person to surrender an infant to a hospital or health care clinic without fear of prosecution; and

     WHEREAS, every effort should be made by the state to protect unwanted infants from unsafe abandonment by providing posters or other information at schools, hospitals, health care clinics and any other appropriate locations;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the children, youth and families department and the public education department be requested to work together to improve publicity about the Safe Haven for Infants Act; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the agencies collaborate with the statewide associations of primary care physicians, hospitals, health care clinics and family planning organizations for disseminating the materials developed; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of children, youth and families and the secretary of public education.

- 2 -