Very wise

From the Orlando Sentinel-

A 17-year-old mother who disappeared after dropping off her 8-month-old baby girl this morning at an Apopka fire station is under investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Firefighters at Orange County Fire Rescue Station 27 said the woman, whose name was not released, dropped the baby girl off at the station at 4:22 a.m. saying she could no longer care for her because she was now homeless.

Florida's Safe Haven law allows a parent to leave a child at a hospital, fire station or emergency medical station, remain anonymous and not face a criminal investigation for abandonment if the child is 3 days old or less and there are no signs of actual or suspected abuse.

Babies who meet the law's standards are transferred to a hospital for a medical evaluation and then placed in an adoption agency where adoption officials find parents already on a waiting list.

Orange County Fire Rescue spokesman John Mulhall said this morning's incident didn't meet those criteria.

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"I think the mother did the right thing by not abandoning the baby in a hazardous place like a canal or a dumpster, but I can see why the authorities want to speak with her," said Nick Silverio, the leader of the foundation. "Hopefully the police will see if that mother is at risk."

It is sad when a mother gives up a child, no matter the method or circumstances. Because the bond between a mother and child is so strong, something extroadinary had to happen for the mother to break it. That the two would be homeless and without food, assuming what was told to firemen is true.

Not being a student of the law, I'm sure the mother probably broke some statute in giving up the girl. However I think she shouldn't be prosecuted or arrested. There are far worse things that could have been done to girl. Especially considering the following.

The mother provided firefighters with food and diapers before leaving the station.

On-duty crews performed a quick medical evaluation and transported the baby to Florida Hospital Apopka before turning her over to the state Department of Children and Families.

The child was in good health and dressed in clean clothing, firefighters said

The mother took care of the child when she had her. Her act of sacrifice shouldn't result in criminal charges. What do you think?

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