Editorial

How sad it was to hear the news last week that a 19-year-old college freshman died in a dormitory bathroom giving birth to a baby girl at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

It still is not clear whether Karen Marie Hubbard knew that she was pregnant with a full-term baby. Her roommate noticed that Karen had gained some weight and was not feeling well. But it was reported they thought it was "the flu or a cold or something."

Karen Hubbard seemed to be doing well in school both academically and socially. She had been co-valedictorian of her 2001 graduating class at Owen-Withee High School.

Unaware of pregnancy? Was she really unaware of her pregnancy? As a mother myself, I find that hard to believe with the many changes in a woman's body throughout pregnancy. It would be hard to ignore a baby kicking in your womb.

Or did she know she was pregnant and hide it from others? Was she afraid to admit a life was growing inside her? Was she concerned about what other people would think?

Karen Hubbard's baby, named Julienna Marie, died Sunday, Feb. 3. A medical examiner said she died because she was deprived of oxygen at the time of birth. An autopsy determined Karen died from complications from childbirth resulting in excessive bleeding. Pre-natal care and medical attention may have prevented these tragedies.

Help is available. This case is even more tragic because help would have been available for Karen. Just last year, Wisconsin passed what is called the "safety net law." Any mother or father, on the verge of abandoning their newborn, can turn the baby over to any Wisconsin hospital employee, police officer, or emergency personnel within 72 hours of birth. He or she can even call "911." There is no prosecution.

Karen Hubbard may not have been aware of this new law. "The word needs to get out that a newborn can have a life, so can the mother, and a family waiting for a child to adopt can move closer to realizing their dream," said Terry Spevacek Walsh, executive director of Safe Place for Newborns, a state-wide organization which is educating Wisconsin citizens about this new law.

Spread the word. The organization hosts a toll-free crisis hotline at 877-440-BABY and website: www.safeplacefornewborns.com. "Our toll-free crisis number is designed to help women and to respond to their questions, especially if they are hiding their baby," said Helen Healy, president of Safe Place for Newborns.

To help spread the word about the safety net law, consider working as a volunteer. Call Safe Place for Newborns at 608-225-5544 or contact your local crisis pregnancy center. Let's make sure the safety net works to help save other parents and babies.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

To the editor:

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

The District Council of Madison, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, is very grateful for the continuing generous support of the people of the Diocese of Madison of Recycle the Warmth, along with our other charitable work in the Madison area community.

The contributions of used and new blankets in January will help provide bedding for needy people in our community throughout this year. In Madison, St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance with furniture at the rate of 20 to 25 households each week.

With the cooperation of so many people, we were able to collect 2,000 blankets this year - 300 more than last year - at churches, our thrift stores, and local ShopKo stores. Without this annual drive, and the support of our Catholic community, we would not have enough to meet the requests we receive.

We will use the $7,000 also donated by individuals, businesses, and organizations to purchase new sheets, pillows, and other bedding-related items needed to supplement what we collected. All these items will then be given without cost to individuals and families requesting help with furniture and bedding. Read more about our charitable work at: www.svdpmadison.org

Ralph Middlecamp, executive director
District Council of Madison, Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul

March for Life was moving experience

To the editor:

I participated in the March for Life on Jan. 22 in Washington, D.C. I would encourage others to consider going to the march next year. Between now and then, pray and work for life.

The March for Life wraps up the accomplishments of the past and opens the tasks of the future. It is a marker of truth. Pro-Life Wisconsin arranged buses and hotel rooms for the trip. I met people from around Wisconsin on the buses, had a roommate from Milwaukee, and talked to people from around the country in the hotel. We talked about how we are defending life.

The Vigil Mass at the Basilica is a high point of the gathering for the church. The two-hour Mass was a holy time. I propose we put together a Mass for Life-Wisconsin, similar to the Mass for Life-Illinois held in Washington (see The Catholic Herald, Jan. 31, page 9). When we emphasize the Mass as a part of the trip to the March for Life, we recognize the whole experience as a pilgrimage. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." He is the reason we march and pray and work.

Mrs. Jeanne M. Breunig, Middleton

Nevada reader likes Catholic Herald

To the editor:

I now live in Nevada. We have a wonderful parish community. But there is one thing that can't be beat -- that is The Catholic Herald paper in Madison. I have a copy sent here to Nevada.

It is so informative. I like the Notes from the Vicar General, the Bishop's Official page, the Editorial page, Voices, and especially the Reflections on Faith page. Grand Mom is wonderful, too.

I look forward to every single issue each week. We find out about things that the other media make "politically correct." And what our Bishop and Pope have to say each week is priceless.

Thank you from my heart. As I said, Las Vegas has a wonderful Catholic community, but I am hooked on my real Catholic newspaper.

Debra Kuban, Las Vegas, Nev.