Abandoned Babies: An Epidemic On The Rise? (3412)
Thursday, April 19, 2007, at 6:30 pm;
Sunday, April 22, 2007, at 8 am

Across the country, headlines concerning newborn babies being left on door steps, inside a stranger’s car, in school bathrooms, or in trash cans are becoming too routine.

Often, these children are the sons and daughters of young teenage mothers, who risk dying during childbirth -- the number one killer of young females under the age of 20. Yet, their stories of pregnancy are often similar: rape and/or unprotected sex with a boyfriend, relative or older man.

Unable to support the child or emotionally distressed by the young life entering their world, these young mothers have abandoned the child in backyards and trash cans in hopes of gaining their freedom and returning to the life they once had. Others seek a good home for their babies and leave them in locations where they hope the babies will be found. But too often, the babies die which makes the mothers, in eyes of the law, criminals and subject to punishment.

This program takes a look at the epidemic in America and its impact on young Latinas, offers advice to young mothers and provides legal steps that can save a child’s life. The program also features young mothers who wanted to keep their babies and received a lot of help and direction from the Several Sources Foundation.