Michigan Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus joined a group of Michigan lawmakers Monday in support of a new safe delivery law.

The new law enables the parent of a newborn baby to surrender the child anonymously to a hospital, police or fire department.

“It gives a woman a chance to look at her situation and make a decision,” said Pamela Sherstad, director of publications for Michigan’s Right To Life Agency. “It’s great legislation. I think Michigan legislators were very thoughtful in this bill.

“They are aware that unwanted pregnancies do happen, and that we as a society need to be available to help those who need it.”

The bill went into effect at the beginning of this year. Legislation began roughly seven months ago; approximately the same time as the abandonment of a newborn left in a Lansing-area car wash.

Despite the controversial nature of the bill, it was passed after several attempts and changes.

Posthumus was unavailable Monday for comment.

Supporters for the law hope it will provide an alternative to abandonment of newborn children, while still providing access to adoption agencies for the unwanted babies. Mothers who use the program will be encouraged to provide medical information and will not face legal ramifications, unless signs of neglect or abuse are apparent.

Included in the bill are provisions for any emergency health services necessary for both the mother and child, as well as a phone hotline providing information for pregnant women and any possible legal advice regarding the law and worries about ramifications.

“It passed easily after working with it a lot,” said Bill Long, executive director of the Michigan Federation of Private Child & Family Agencies, which assisted in the law’s drafting process. “It started after a few babies were abandoned here in Michigan, and shortly afterwards a few more were abandoned elsewhere in the nation.”

Also included in the bill is a 28-day waiting period, allowing women to reclaim their child if they desire.