Action 3 News - Omaha, Nebraska News, Weather, and Sports | Attorney for Mother of Abandoned Baby Talks
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Omaha, NE- The attorney for the 18-year-old mother who abandoned her baby boy at an Omaha hospital on Labor Day says the young mom thought Nebraska had a Safe Haven law and thought she was doing the right thing.
Nebraska is one of only two states that does not have a law that allows mothers to drop off newborns at safe places such as hospitals or fire stations, without legal consequences.
Attorney Ryan Hoffman says the young woman is already the single mother of a 2-year-old girl and was scared and confused. She hid the pregnancy from everyone, including her parents. She had no pre-natal care and managed to delivered the baby by herself before wrapping him in a blanket and leaving him behind with a note at Bergan Mercy Hospital Monday afternoon.
Hoffman says the mom didn't think she could take care of the baby and wanted to find him a good, safe home. Says Hoffman, "there's no better place than the hospital and her intent was to go to the maternity ward".
The baby is in good condition, and currently a ward of the state. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine says the facts and the law in this case did not justify filing criminal charges against the young mom.
Kleine says it's possible the baby could end up back with his mom if she wants him, or even with another family member. He says a full investigation will be conducted by the state before a judge makes his decision on who will become the permanent legal guardian of the little boy.
