What is the safe haven law?

All states throughout the nation have enacted legislation known as safe haven laws in order to combat the ongoing problem of babies being abandoned and left to die. These new laws allow parents to drop off their infant at a police, fire station or hospital with no questions asked. Some states even allow emergency medical technicians responding to 911 calls to accept an unwanted infant.

Why Infants Are in Jeopardy

The United States has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy and births throughout the world. The cost of teen pregnancies cost the country nearly $7 billion each year. It is estimated that one-third of all girls in the nation will become pregnant during their teenage years. Many teens are reluctant to tell their parents they are pregnant for fear of repercussions, such as being evicted from the house or more severe punishments. They often hide their pregnancy by wearing loose and baggy clothing. Some are in denial that they are even pregnant and are surprised when they give birth. It’s no secret that many of these young girls end up killing their babies, either accidentally or intentionally.

Decriminalizing the Abandonment of Infants

When it became a national fact that many young teens were putting their babies in jeopardy, legislators decided to enact safe haven laws. Also known as the “Baby Moses law,” this allows any parent of a newborn to anonymously drop off her baby at a hospital emergency room, police station or fire station without suffering the consequences. Safe have laws were enacted in all 50 states as a way to counteract teenage mothers from leaving their babies abandoned in unsafe places. Although the laws differ in each state, most specify that only children under 30 days of age or less are eligible for safe haven.

When to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

Because state laws differ regarding abandoning newborn infants, it is important to know the consequences of abandoning an infant before doing so. Some jurisdictions allow parents to give up their babies without facing any kind of criminal punishment, while others may charge them with a misdemeanor crime. Therefore, it’s important to seek guidance from a criminal defense attorney to find out the possible penalties for your actions beforehand.