Teen mom who abandoned baby had other options, local advocates say
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Flowers and stuffed animals mark the site of a gruesome discovery this week. Video by ktnv.com
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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Flowers and stuffed animals mark the site of a gruesome discovery this week.
A baby girl about one month old was found Wednesday, abandoned inside a dumpser at an apartment complex near Decatur and Rancho.
Police have located the baby's mom. They say she's a teenage mother who hid the pregnancy from family and friends.
"This sounds like a young woman who was fearful, did not know who to reach out to, was fearful in confiding in anyone," comments Kathleen Miller, president of Living Grace Home.
Living Grace Home is one of four maternity homes in the valley. It's located in a nondescript house in a residential neighborhood in Henderson. The non-profit organization houses young, pregnant and unmarried women.
Police think in this case, the teen mom kept the baby hidden inside until placing her in the trash bin.
"I don't know this young lady or her circumstances," said Miller. "But, just the profile is generally not one of a criminal, but of someone who has emotional or psychological issues."
It's unclear how old that baby was, although if it was less than 30 days old, Safe Haven Laws could have applied.
The Safe Haven Law allows newborns to be dropped off at a local fire station or hospital without legal consequences.
But are local teen moms aware of that option?
The Clark County School District says the following regarding their sex education curriculum:
"CCSD does not teach Safe Haven laws to students as part of our sexual education curriculum. Teachers are empowered to educate students about Safe Haven laws and other pregnancy options if approached by a concerned student. Our goal is to educate our students on the health and science of the body and not to interfere with a parent's right to instill values regarding pregnancy and birth."
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