This week a newborn baby boy was left behind in a laundry basket at the Cathedral of St. Paul. This incident is raising awareness about Minnesota’s Safe Place law. Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper:
Twenty-two newborns were saved from 2013 through late December 2016 under the Safe Place for Newborns law.
The employee who found the newborn says he is still in shock. Nathan Leonhardt discovered the basket in the entryway way and first thought someone had left behind some clothing in the entryway while inside praying. As Leonhardt walked away, he heard crying:
Father John Ubel says all that matters is the boy is safe.
While waiting for police, Father Ubel baptized the boy who he christened Nathan John. The infant was turned over to Ramsey County Child Protection. Father Ubel hopes the boy will be adopted by a Catholic family.