The Finance-Family Connection
Posted July 24, 2009

It's sometimes easy to overlook the close connection between fiscal/economic issues and family issues. After all, other than hurting my pocket a bit, what do high taxes, regulatory fees, and government waste and mismanagement have to do with the strength of my family?

The answer is, "A lot."

In fact, financial issues consistently rank among the top reasons for divorce. And, unquestionably, economic strain - whether stemming from job losses, inability to meet costs of living, or any other myriad scenarios - can lead to financial disagreements.

An AP article that appeared in Wednesday's Star Ledger, however, highlights another family-related consequence potentially brought about by tough economic times.

According to the article, "[T]he poor economy may be" a key factor in "driving more desperate parents to hospitals where they can legally drop off their infants."

Here in New Jersey, this is all part of our Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, which the state passed in 2000. Under the law,

an individual [can] . give up an unwanted infant with no fear of arrest or prosecution. No names or records are required. The parents - or someone

acting on their behalf - can bring a baby less [sic] than 30 days old to any hospital emergency room or police station. The Division of Youth and Family Services will immediately take the child into custody and place the infant in

a foster or pre-adoptive home.

Between the August 7, 2000 enactment of New Jersey's law and the end of December 2008, 39 babies were saved - representing a yearly average of about 4.6. Last year, however, saw six cases, the second-highest number since the law took effect. (By comparison, there were four safe-haven cases in 2007.) Thus far this year, the state has seen two cases.

Numbers have also been increasing nationwide. As the AP article notes, "So far this year, there have been 31 drop-offs in the 31 states the National Safe Haven Alliance tracks, according to Tim Jaccard, the organization's president. There were 44 drop-offs last year, which was about 10 percent more than in 2007."

The article states that heightened awareness of safe haven laws in various states may be contributing to the increase in drop-offs, with New Jersey Department of Children and Families Spokeswoman Kate Bernyk referencing "a more aggressive public relations campaign behind the state's law."

According to Jaccard, however, "The economy is [also] playing an important role; people are just having a tough time."

A critical component of supporting and strengthening families is fighting for economic policies that will not cause undue financial hardships - which, if unchecked, can lead to situations in which individuals feel they have no choice but to abandon a newborn baby.

While our priority continues to be combating the aggressive assault against marriage and life, and while we fully support safe haven laws that save precious lives, we must persevere, too, in opposing family-burdening fiscal initiatives and promoting financial policies that support and encourage our state's families.   

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