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In a test of Kansas’ Newborn Infant Protection Act, a Marysville woman has been convicted of several counts — including second-degree intentional murder — after a newborn she gave birth to died shortly after delivery.
On Wednesday, Lauren Holle, 20, was convicted of second degree intentional murder, aggravated abandonment of a child, and abuse of a child, following her pleas of guilty to all three charges.
On June 16, 2009, Holle gave birth to a child, wrapped it in a plastic garbage bag, and stowed the baby in her vehicle’s back seat. When her family sought medical attention for Holle due to bleeding, she provided information to doctors which led to discovery of the baby in her car. According to the coroner’s report, the child was born alive but died due to lack of proper care or restriction of breathing.
“This is a tragedy that didn’t have to happen,” said Kansas Attorney General Steve Six. “This horrible crime and unnecessary loss of life would have been prevented simply by surrendering the child under the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act. All women and their families need to be aware of the safe haven law that exists in Kansas.”
The Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act (K.S.A. 38-2282) became law in January 2007. The law allows a parent — or other person having lawful custody — to surrender the infant to any employee who is on duty at a fire station, city or county health department, or medical care facility. The infant must be 45 days or younger.
The purpose of the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the safe haven law, according to Six, is to ensure unwanted infants are left with persons who can provide the immediate care needed for their safety and well-being.
“Sadly, my office has dealt with several cases involving new mothers who killed their newborns, even since the safe haven law was passed,” Six said. “Typically, we see women who have hidden an unplanned pregnancy from friends and family and then deliver the child without medical attention. It is vital that we continue to educate Kansans of the Newborn Infant Protection Act and let women and their families know there are safe alternatives.”
In addition, K.S.A. 21-3604 (b) protects parents or other persons having lawful custody of the infant from prosecution for abandonment of a child, if they surrender custody in the manner provided by K.S.A 38-2282, and if such infant has not suffered bodily harm.
On the Web:
Kansas Attorney General: http://www.ksag.org
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
In a test of Kansas’ Newborn Infant Protection Act, a Marysville woman has been convicted of several counts — including second-degree intentional murder — after a newborn she gave birth to died shortly after delivery.
On Wednesday, Lauren Holle, 20, was convicted of second degree intentional murder, aggravated abandonment of a child, and abuse of a child, following her pleas of guilty to all three charges.
On June 16, 2009, Holle gave birth to a child, wrapped it in a plastic garbage bag, and stowed the baby in her vehicle’s back seat. When her family sought medical attention for Holle due to bleeding, she provided information to doctors which led to discovery of the baby in her car. According to the coroner’s report, the child was born alive but died due to lack of proper care or restriction of breathing.
“This is a tragedy that didn’t have to happen,” said Kansas Attorney General Steve Six. “This horrible crime and unnecessary loss of life would have been prevented simply by surrendering the child under the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act. All women and their families need to be aware of the safe haven law that exists in Kansas.”
The Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act (K.S.A. 38-2282) became law in January 2007. The law allows a parent — or other person having lawful custody — to surrender the infant to any employee who is on duty at a fire station, city or county health department, or medical care facility. The infant must be 45 days or younger.
The purpose of the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the safe haven law, according to Six, is to ensure unwanted infants are left with persons who can provide the immediate care needed for their safety and well-being.
“Sadly, my office has dealt with several cases involving new mothers who killed their newborns, even since the safe haven law was passed,” Six said. “Typically, we see women who have hidden an unplanned pregnancy from friends and family and then deliver the child without medical attention. It is vital that we continue to educate Kansans of the Newborn Infant Protection Act and let women and their families know there are safe alternatives.”
In addition, K.S.A. 21-3604 (b) protects parents or other persons having lawful custody of the infant from prosecution for abandonment of a child, if they surrender custody in the manner provided by K.S.A 38-2282, and if such infant has not suffered bodily harm.
On the Web:
Kansas Attorney General: http://www.ksag.org
Matthew Clark can be reached at matthew.clark@morningsun.net or at 620-231-2600, Ext. 140
