Newborn baby’s death highlights safe-haven law

By Jordan Mazza

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Twenty–one–year–old Ginalys Velazquez Camara of Providence is charged with murder, after police say her 7–day-old baby died from neglect.

“A very, very tragic story,” said Providence Deputy Assistant Fire Chief Stephen Houle. “And we’re hoping to get the word out now that there are options for people who are incapable or no longer willing to take care of their child.”

One of those options is anonymously dropping off the child at any fire house, police station, or hospital, under the safe-haven law.

“Whatever explanation they have, we’d be willing to accept it,” Houle said. “It’s not our place to judge at that point. We hope they’re doing it for the safety of the child. We would certainly care for the child’s well–being, notify the proper authorities if the child needed medical treatment.”

The child is then put into DCYF care.

Houle acknowledges that for a parent, it can be a wrenching decision.

“Couldn’t imagine,” Houle said. “But everyone’s dealing with their own stressors, and obviously it’s not easy.”

One of Velazquez Camara’s neighbors in Providence is also reacting to the news.

“It’s a tragedy, and it’s upsetting to hear,” said Dawson Campbell.

The 20-year-old says it hits home, because he’s almost the same age as Velazquez Camara.

“A lot of people our age probably don’t know about the law,” Campbell said. “I think we should be able to tell a lot of the colleges and universities about the law and preventing this from actually happening again.”

Under the safe-haven law, the infant must be given up within about 30 days of birth.

© WLNE-TV 2019