LANSING - Wednesday, January 28th, 24-year-old Angela Alexie of Eastpoint, MI was ordered a $1 million bond on charges of the death and abandonment of her son.

Similarly in 2013, an Okemos woman was charged with murder in the death of her baby girl, and now tells police she can't recall where her second newborn is.

But in light of these tragedies there's hope that lies in a law.
Having a new baby is a dream for many, but to some that's not always the case.

Headlines evoking anger, disgust and heart break have become a familiar site to Michigan residents.

"As a new parent, it's heartbreaking," said Kyle Simon, a new father from Jackson, MI.

The discovery of a newborn at a Roseville recycling center leaves Michigan residents wondering why 24-year-old Angela Alexie did not surrender her son under state law.

"It's a shame she didn't take advantage of the safe haven law," said the Public Affairs Associate of Right to Life Michigan, Genevieve Marnon.

The Safe Haven law was passed to prevent parents from deserting newborns allowing parents to anonymously surrender their children within 72 hours of birth at any hospital, fire station or police station.

"I think part of the reason why we still see cases of abandon babies in Michigan is partly because of ignorance of the law," Marnon said.

Okemos Native, Melissa Mitton was charged in 2013 with throwing her newborn girl in the trash and now the Meridian Township Police are wondering where her recently born boy is.

Since this law passed in 2001, The Meridian Township Police Department has yet to have one safe delivery and are hoping that the missing Okemos child was dropped off at a different safe haven site.

"I would be very happy if Melissa Mitton did use this law to find a safe place for this child, but that doesn't appear that that's the case at this point," said Meridian Township Police Lieutenant, Greg Frenger.

Michigan abandonments continue to rise with three in less than six months, states like Massachusetts have seen the exact opposite, with just one deadly abandonment in the last eight years.

The Baby Safe Haven Friend to Friend national awareness campaign believes younger advocates means less abandonments and Right to Life of Michigan agrees.

"Getting the word out for the 18 to 30 year old age group is probably the age group that's going to be the most effected," Marnon said.

This law hits home to this new father who couldn't imagine giving his son up, but hopes those in need will take advantage of the Safe Haven law.

"I hope this story, this chain of events will bring awareness to the situation so stuff like this doesn't happen again," Simon said.

Since going into effect in 2001, Michigan's Safe Haven law has potentially saved the lives of some 150 babies who were safely, legally, and anonymously surrendered to local police departments, fire stations or hospitals.