Lauren Holle, Marysville, pleads guilty to second degree intentional murder in death of newborn

TOPEKA -- Attorney General Steve Six announced Wednesday that in a case that brought attention to Kansas' safe haven law, Marysville resident Lauren Holle, age 20, was convicted of second degree intentional murder, aggravated abandonment of a child, and abuse of a child, following her pleas of guilty to all three charges. Sentencing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m., August 24, in Marshall County.

"This is a tragedy that didn't have to happen," Six said. "This horrible crime and unnecessary loss of life would have been prevented simply by surrendering the child under the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act. All women and their families need to be aware of the safe haven law that exists in Kansas."

On June 16, 2009, Holle gave birth to a child, wrapped it in a plastic garbage bag, and stowed the baby in her vehicle's back seat. When her family sought medical attention for Holle due to bleeding, she provided information to doctors which led to discovery of the baby in her car. According to the coroner's report, the child was born alive but died due to lack of proper care or restriction of breathing.

The purpose of the Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the safe haven law, is to ensure unwanted infants are left with persons who can provide the immediate care needed for their safety and well-being.

"Sadly, my office has dealt with several cases involving new mothers who killed their newborns, even since the safe haven law was passed," Six said. "Typically, we see women who have hidden an unplanned pregnancy from friends and family and then deliver the child without medical attention. It is vital that we continue to educate Kansans of the Newborn Infant Protection Act and let women and their families know there are safe alternatives."

The Kansas Newborn Infant Protection Act (K.S.A. 38-2282) became law in January 2007. The law allows a parent -- or other person having lawful custody -- to surrender the infant to any employee who is on duty at a fire station, city or county health department, or medical care facility. The infant must be 45 days or younger.

In addition, K.S.A. 21-3604 (b) protects parents or other persons having lawful custody of the infant from prosecution for abandonment of a child, if they surrender custody in the manner provided by K.S.A 38-2282, and if such infant has not suffered bodily harm.

Health care professionals working with women in crisis pregnancies are encouraged to share the guidelines of the Newborn Infant Protection Act as an option to keep infants safe.