News

Newborn Safe Haven Law Expanding

Photo: Juan-Carlos Herrera-Arango, Photos.com

Aug 16, 2012 at 8:41 am

ST. PAUL, MN (KNSI) - Minnesota officials are getting the word out about the expansion of the state's Safe Haven law for newborns.

The law now gives the mother, or someone acting with her permission, seven days after birth to surrender the baby to a hospital or urgent care center, rather than the previous 72-hour window.

"The mother will know the baby is safe and that's she's made a loving decision," Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said. "That is what safe haven for newborns is about; safe places with no questions asked, no blame attached and no fear of prosecution."

Minnesota has had a Safe Haven law on the books since 2000. The state has not tracked how many babies have come in under the Safe Haven law since it was first passed, but Jesson estimated the number at 18.