Which states have a safe haven law?

A safe haven law, also known as a “baby drop-off” law, is a legal provision that allows parents to safely and anonymously surrender their newborn child at designated locations without fear of prosecution. These laws were created to prevent infant abandonment and provide a safe alternative for parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborn.

The first safe haven law was enacted in Texas in 1999, and since then, all 50 states in the United States have passed some form of safe haven legislation. However, the specifics of these laws vary from state to state. In this article, we will take a closer look at which states have a safe haven law and the key provisions of these laws.

States with Safe Haven Laws:

All 50 states have some form of safe haven law, but the details and requirements may differ. Some states have specific age limits for the newborn, while others do not. Some states require the parent to surrender the child to a designated person, while others allow for surrender at a hospital, fire station, or police station. Here is a breakdown of the states with safe haven laws and their key provisions:

1. Alabama: Alabama’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

2. Alaska: In Alaska, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 21 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

3. Arizona: Arizona’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or adoption agency within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

4. Arkansas: Arkansas’ safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

5. California: California’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital or fire station within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

6. Colorado: In Colorado, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital or fire station within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

7. Connecticut: Connecticut’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

8. Delaware: Delaware’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

9. Florida: In Florida, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

10. Georgia: Georgia’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

11. Hawaii: Hawaii’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

12. Idaho: In Idaho, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

13. Illinois: Illinois’ safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

14. Indiana: Indiana’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

15. Iowa: In Iowa, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 14 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

16. Kansas: Kansas’ safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 45 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

17. Kentucky: Kentucky’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

18. Louisiana: In Louisiana, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

19. Maine: Maine’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

20. Maryland: Maryland’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 10 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

21. Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

22. Michigan: Michigan’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 72 hours of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

23. Minnesota: Minnesota’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

24. Mississippi: In Mississippi, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 3 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

25. Missouri: Missouri’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 45 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

26. Montana: Montana’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

27. Nebraska: In Nebraska, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

28. Nevada: Nevada’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

29. New Hampshire: New Hampshire’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

30. New Jersey: In New Jersey, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

31. New Mexico: New Mexico’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

32. New York: New York’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

33. North Carolina: In North Carolina, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

34. North Dakota: North Dakota’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

35. Ohio: Ohio’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

36. Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s safe haven law allows parents to surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 7 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.

37. Oregon: In Oregon, parents can surrender their newborn at a hospital, fire station, or police station within 30 days of birth. The parent must provide their name and address, but they can remain anonymous if they choose.