During Wednesday’s City Council meeting, the City of McFarland proclaimed the month of February as Safely Surrendered Baby Month.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law, also known as the “Safe Haven Act,” is a legal option for infants at risk of abandonment who are 72 hours old or younger to be surrendered to a fire station or hospital.

Erin Rogers, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, was introduced as a guest speaker. She noted that everything will remain confidential, the mother will receive a bracelet that matches her baby, and she will also have fourteen days in the event that she changes her mind. After fourteen days, however, the mother will no longer have any right to the infant.

“This is a month in which we are working together to bring awareness to this law that allows a woman to safely surrender her baby to any fire station or hospital,” said Rogers. “At fifteen days, that baby is now eligible to be adopted, generally by the foster family. At the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, we celebrate this law. It is a life-affirming and brave choice that a mother can give in a time of crisis.”

Mayor Saul Ayon introduced the proclamation and emphasized the importance of having such a law available to the residents of Kern County. Ayon also acknowledged the abandonment of a deceased newborn infant found last week in a Bakersfield dumpster, calling the incident a tragedy that affirms the need for awareness.

“This proclamation is about life awareness and responsibility. This past week in Bakersfield, our community experienced a heartbreak. A newborn baby was found deceased, a tragedy that weighs on all of us. That is why the Safely Surrendered Baby Law is so important. It exists to prevent tragedy and provides a safe and legal confidential option for parents who may feel overwhelmed or afraid,” said Ayon.

Ayon also highlighted an important message: there is no shame, no judgment, and no questions asked.

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law, enacted in 2001, has helped save more than one hundred babies in Kern County. The law extends to all fire stations and hospitals, including but not limited to: First Five Kern, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Kern Family Health Care, Clinica Sierra Vista, and the Bakersfield Fire Department.

As part of the February awareness month campaign, a live press conference will also be held at Adventist Health Specialty, located at 3100 Sillect Ave. in Bakersfield, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Around fifteen presentations will be displayed in a continued effort to spread awareness about the different options available to mothers and infants.

For more information about pregnancy services or questions about the Safely Surrendered Baby Law, visit the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center’s website or call (661) 326-1907.