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Kentucky House Passes Safe-haven Extension Bill

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – The Kentucky House has passed a bill that would give parents more time to decide whether to turn over their newborn infants at state-approved safe places.

Under current law, parents have up to three days after their child is born to leave the newborn at safe places such as a hospital or police station. The bill that cleared the House on a 92-0 vote on Monday would give parents up to 30 days to make that decision.

The bill also would allow places of worship to voluntarily participate in the safe-haven program.

The measure’s lead sponsored is Rep. Tom Burch, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.