In 1999, Texas became the first state to pass a safe haven law for infants. Also known as the Baby Moses law, this law gives parents who are unable to care for their child a safe and legal choice to leave their infant with an employee at a designated Safe Place.
If you're thinking about bringing your baby to a designated Safe Haven, please read the information below:
Your baby must be 60 days old or younger and unharmed and safe.
You may take your baby to any hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services (EMS) station in Texas.
You need to give your baby to an employee who works at one of these safe places and tell this person that you want to leave your baby at a Safe Haven.
You may be asked by an employee for family or medical history to make sure that your baby receives the care they need.
If you leave your baby at a fire or EMS station, your baby may be taken to a hospital to receive any medical attention they need. Remember, If you leave your unharmed infant at a Safe Haven, you will not be prosecuted for abandonment or neglect.
For more information, go to the Baby Moses Project website or call the Texas Baby Moses Hotline 1-877-904-SAVE (1-877-904-7283).