Pennsylvania's Safe Haven Law Allows Parents to Safely Turn Over Unwanted Babies

According to a recently published state.pa.us, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman is reminding pregnant mothers that they can use the state's safe haven law which allows them to turn over their unwanted newborns to any hospital as an alternative to abandonment, or worse.

Back on August 6th in Erie, Penn., a newborn baby was found dead inside a plastic bag in a college apartment bathroom. Investigators reported that the newborn baby girl was suffocated shortly after being born.

Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle B. Richman said, "Far too often we learn that a child has been harmed when there are viable options available to parents in need. When a young woman is pregnant and not prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood, often they are afraid and are unsure of where to turn for help. The safe haven program provides a safe, legal and confidential option for them and their child."

Throughout the state of Pennsylvania, there are around 270 hospitals in which parents can safely and anonymously turn over their children up to 28 days old if they are unable to care for the child or do not want it.

Babies can be given to any hospital staff member or will be directed by signs or where they can place their baby.

The parents handing over the child will not be asked any questions unless the baby is injured or sick. It is recommended, but not required, that the parent provide medical information for the baby. All babies turned over to the hospital will receive the medical attention they need no matter what. Parents will also not have to pay for the medical treatment.

For all babies turned into a Safe Haven hospital, the county's child and youth agency will help to find the child a suitable and loving home in the state through Pennsylvania's foster care system.

The purpose of the program is to find unwanted children loving homes and to help parents who can not care for children find a safe place to turn over their babies. This will also reduce the risk of infanticides throughout the state.