The University of Tampa community in Florida is reeling from a distressing find on their campus. A deceased newborn was found wrapped in a towel, discarded in a trash bin near McKay Hall, a dormitory for freshmen. The incident took place around 7 p.m. on the evening of Sunday, April 28, 2024.
The Tampa Police Department immediately launched an investigation upon the discovery of the deceased infant. This led to the identification and subsequent hospitalization of the baby girl’s mother, a student at the university.
Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police expressed his deep sadness about the incident and highlighted the police department’s commitment to uncover the circumstances leading up to this tragic event.
In light of the incident, Chief Bercaw reminded the community of Florida’s Safe Haven Law. This law allows parents to surrender a newborn of up to seven days old at designated safe locations such as hospitals, fire stations, and EMS stations anonymously and without fear of prosecution, as long as the baby shows no signs of neglect or abuse.
The law is designed to offer parents in desperate situations a safe alternative to abandonment. Nick Silverio, founder of A Safe Haven for Newborns, echoed this position, emphasizing the urgent need for better awareness about the help available to parents in crisis. He outlined his organization’s wide range of services, including confidential counseling, shelter referrals, and transportation for medical appointments, all geared towards supporting distressed new mothers.
The National Safe Haven Alliance reported in 2021 that Safe Haven laws, which allow parents to safely and anonymously surrender newborns at designated locations, saved 73 babies. However, 31 infants were found abandoned in unsafe conditions that same year, with 22 of these babies found dead.
It should be noted that these figures only represent cases that have been reported, and the actual numbers may be higher due to incidents that go unreported or are undiscovered.
The University of Tampa, celebrated for its dynamic student life and academic rigor, is now struggling with this unfortunate incident. The university is cooperating fully with the Tampa Police Department to facilitate an exhaustive investigation and provide the necessary support to their student community.
As the investigation is ongoing, the wider Tampa community is reminded of the resources available to prevent such tragic incidents. For those who find themselves in need, reaching out for help can provide a fresh start for both mother and child.
