cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23814239

Summary

Texas has seen a spike in abandoned newborns since its abortion ban, with some infants found dead in dumpsters or ditches.

Critics link the rise to reduced access to abortion, cuts to prenatal care, underfunded safe haven programs, and fear of deportation among undocumented women.

Texas Republicans have resisted funding awareness campaigns for safe haven laws, instead allocating $165 million to crisis pregnancy centers that prioritize deterring abortion over aiding women.

The lack of support has drawn condemnation, highlighting the broader consequences of restrictive reproductive policies.

  • @[email protected]
    20•3 days ago

    Just a reminder that Texas has safe haven drop boxes at fire stations and post offices specifically for dropping off unwanted babies, but they’ve slashed the funding and refuse to publicize their existence in favor of “crisis intervention centers”

    • Frater MusEnglish
      9•4 days ago

      Just a reminder that Texas has safe haven drop boxes at fire stations and post offices specifically for dropping off unwanted babies,

      In case anyone thinks this is a new concept, one of the most influential pieces of early Renaissance architecture (Ospedale degli Innocenti) had a rotating drop-off port for babies. There was someone on the other side of the wall 24/7.

      Edit: Atlas Obscura has an article on it

      • @[email protected]
        3•3 days ago

        This is amazing. A baby carousel, statue of Mary pointing to the correct location. Baby goes around a loop, down a slide and lands in a manger. Amazing! But the article definitely needs more pictures!