With the purpose of protecting the state's vulnerable children, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed this week Safe Delivery of Newborns Week in Michigan.

In Michigan, parents who don't feel able to deal with their newborn babies have safe places to leave them without fear of punishment under the Safe Delivery of Newborns law. The law, enacted in 2000, was designed to prevent the tragedy of unwanted newborns being hidden and left to die. Under the law, babies up to 72 hours old can be surrendered at police stations, fire departments and hospitals, or with emergency medical technicians responding to 9-1-1 emergency calls. The infants can be left without any identifying information. They will be given medical care and placed in a good home.

"Troubled young parents often feel hopeless about their situation and therefore sometimes subject their newborns to life threatening conditions," said Zoe Lyons, manager of the Department of Human Services Children's Protective Services and Family Preservation programs. "The Safe Delivery law provides a practical alternative to exposing babies to harm."

Since implementation of the law began in 2001, 69 infants have been surrendered; the majority at hospitals where the babies were born. Surrenders have occurred in 18 Lower Peninsula counties, mostly in southeastern Michigan.

"We've all heard tragic stories of babies being left in Dumpsters, public restrooms and other unsafe locations," said Alethia Carr, director of the Department of Community Health Division of Family, Maternal and Child Health. "That's because some parents are unprepared to deal with newborn children. But the Safe Delivery program gives help and hope to mothers and fathers facing parenthood before they're ready."

The Safe Delivery of Newborns Act allows parents to surrender infants without breaking any laws.

"Safe Delivery is safe, legal and anonymous," said Sgt. Greg Jones, coordinator of the Michigan State Police's Amber Alert and Missing Children Information Clearing House. "Although a parent can remain unidentified, he or she is encouraged to provide family and medical background that could be useful to the child in the future. The goal is to allow the child to live a full and healthy life."

A toll-free, 24-hour telephone line provides information on Safe Delivery of Newborns at 866-733-7733.

For more information, visit the DHS Web site at www.michigan.gov/safedelivery.