14 DAY TRIAL // Authorities in Honolulu, Hawaii have uncovered a baby girl abandoned on the beach immediately after being delivered.
KHON detailed that passer-by Vincent Vanaski was alerted by the girl's screams during the night on Sunday, April 28.
He scoured Sandy Beach looking for the person screaming and came across a beachgoer who had cut her foot.
“Sounded like someone was in distress and it sounded like a female.
“Saw a young female sitting at the water’s edge. I asked if the screams were coming from her and she said, ‘Yes.’ And I said, ‘Are you alright? Do you need help?’ and she said, ‘No, I cut my foot,’” Vanaski describes.
It wasn't long until the screams were heard again 15 minutes later, and this time a second person heard them. A woman walking on the beach found the baby and took her to a local hospital right away.
The child's mother had left the scene and authorities were unable to find out her identity. The newborn had been attended to at Queen’s Medical Center, and she has not been injured.
“Very grateful this child is alive and doing well. That’s the real focus for us at his time,” says Patricia McManaman, heading the Department of Human Services.
According to Rep. John Mizuno (D) Kalihi Valley, Hawaii has passed a Safe Haven law in 2007, allowing parents to drop off their children at emergency medical facilities, as well as fire stations or police precincts.
Mothers who choose this option are shielded from prosecution for neglect or abandonment and can retain their anonymity. The law ensures that babies are kept safe and that they are provided medical attention.
“Had the young woman known about the law she wouldn’t have risked the opportunity to harm herself or the baby,” Mizuno explains.