Infant Safe Haven Laws

Series Title: State Statutes Series 2004

Author(s): National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

Year Published: 2004

State legislatures have felt the need to address infant abandonment and infanticide in response to a reported increase in the abandonment of infants. Beginning in Texas in 1999, "Baby Moses laws" or infant safe haven legislation has been enacted as an incentive for mothers in crisis to safely relinquish their babies to a safe haven where the baby will be protected and provided with medical care until a permanent home can be found. Safe haven laws generally allow the parent, or an agent of the parent, to remain anonymous and to be shielded from prosecution for abandonment or neglect in exchange for safely surrendering the baby to a safe haven.

To date, approximately 46 States have enacted safe haven legislation to provide a vehicle for the safe relinquishment of unwanted newborns.

Read the full story at:

National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

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