SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) earlier today advanced a measure that is intended to improve the implementation of the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, which went into effect in 2001.

House Bill 5459 specifies the contents of the packet given to parents relinquishing a newborn infant. This is an annual piece of legislation for Senator Trotter who sponsored the previous piece of legislation that created and implemented the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act nearly 10 years ago.

"This is an alarming concern, especially this year," Senator Trotter said. "With the economic downturn and the amount of social ills, the number of abandoned newborns is on the rise. We need to continue to address this issue so that all newborns will be cared for in Illinois."

The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act was established to provide a way for a newborn infant to be relinquished to a safe environment. It also allowed for the parents of an infant to remain anonymous and avoid civil or criminal liability for the act of relinquishing the infant if no signs of abuse or neglect are present.

"The bottom line is that we need to continue to promote measures that save the lives of newborns that otherwise may have been abandoned," Senator Trotter added. "By adding these safeguards, we are ensuring the health and safety of children throughout Illinois."

The measure passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits the Governor’s signature.