Boston Lawmakers Say to Mothers: Shaking Babies is Really Bad

In Boston, lawmakers are contemplating on how to prevent any more cases of shaken baby syndrome and other tragic baby-inflicted abuse. Reports say the lawmakers want to inform parents and caretakers that there are other ways to sooth a fussy infant besides shaking it out of frustration until it suffers brain damage.

George and Yvonne Poske, who's grand-niece Caroline was shaken by her mother when she was 3 months old and suffered brain damage because of it, told a Legislative committe about Caroline's horrific ordeal and want to educate people on the consequences of shaking infants. They say education on it should be mandatory for all mothers. Yvonne Posk said:

"People should just understand that it's OK to walk away. If the child is crying uncontrollably, put her down in the crib. Put her in a safe place. Walk away. Compose yourself."

Dr. Deborah Eapon, who encouraged the Poskes to testify, had a son, Matthew, who died after being shaken by his nanny, Louise Woodward. She thinks Beacon Hill has waited much to long to act on this subject, especially since it is a common and tormenting act.

This act to protect children can be compared to the Child Online Protection Act (COPA), passed in 1998. It was created to protect children from pornaography and other "material harmful to minors". It was never officially taken effect, and only really affects commercial providers. It was blocked by the Supreme Court, saying it is too broad and and probably unconstitutional.

Actually, it's not really anything like an Act preventing the shaking of babies, but it's the best I could come up with.