[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 35 (Friday, February 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      AT-BIRTH ABANDONED BABY ACT

                                 ______


                         HON. HARRIS W. FAWELL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 24, 1995
  Mr. FAWELL. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing, along with 
Congressman Peter Visclosky and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, the At-
Birth Abandoned Baby Act of 1995. The bill guarantees all babies 
abandoned at birth, or shortly thereafter, the right to immediate 
placement and bonding with preadoptive parents. The preadoptive parents 
are then given the right to immediately initiate proceedings for an 
expeditious adoption of the abandoned baby.
  Something must be done about the terrible plight faced by babies 
abandoned at birth. Our present system, in effect, leaves our most 
vulnerable babies--those who are abandoned at birth and often drug 
addicted and/or HIV infected--without access to immediate bonding with 
loving parents or any chance for a permanent home, both of which they 
so desperately need.
  Worst of all, they have no one to represent them for a chance to find 
loving parents and a permanent home.
  The At-Birth Abandoned Baby Act of 1995 amends title IV(E) of the 
Social Security Act. The bill simply requires State welfare authorities 
to immediately place at-birth abandoned babies with suitable 
preadoptive parents who, in turn, will be allowed to immediately file 
for an expeditious adoption of the abandoned baby in the State court of 
proper jurisdiction. The State court will be responsible for the final 
decision of adoption, taking into account the legal rights of all 
parties involved, including the infant abandoned at birth, the natural 
parent(s) and the preadoptive parents. The bill gives babies abandoned 
at birth at least a fighting chance for immediate parental bonding and 
a permanent home.
  Mr. Speaker, we must take action here and now in Congress. I want to 
urge all of my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this vital 
measure.


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