Abandoned babies bill signed

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Keating has signed a bill allowing parents to drop off newborn infants with a medical provider without being prosecuted for child abandonment. <br><br>The bill is similar

Tuesday, May 1st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Governor Keating has signed a bill allowing parents to drop off newborn infants with a medical provider without being prosecuted for child abandonment.

The bill is similar to legislation passed in 32 other states.

Keating didn't comment on the bill, which was denounced by some Republicans before it overwhelmingly passed the House last week.

Opponents say it encourages parents to abandon children.

But Representative Susan Winchester says her bill is aimed at saving babies' lives by giving an alternative to disposing of unwanted infants in garbage bins and bathrooms.

The bill permits a parent to leave a newborn up to seven days old with a medical provider or law enforcement officer without fear of being charged with child abandonment.

Keating also signed a bill creating a task force on violence in the media.