Women who are in situations where they have an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy often feel overwhelmed. This is completely normal. Here at PRC Grand Rapids, we are here to help women find help in these times of crisis. “Safe Delivery” laws and Baby Boxes, while a last resort, can be great resources for women who have given birth to a pregnancy that was unwanted and aren’t sure where to turn.
The Safe Delivery laws have been implemented in Michigan to allow a confidential option for mothers to indefinitely give up parenting rights and responsibility of an infant in a way that is safe and free from any negative repercussions. If you would like to talk with someone confidentially about the Safe Delivery options in Michigan (or other pregnancy options), you can call the PRC GR team at (616) 456-6873 or make an appointment today.
Regardless of your circumstances, we care about you and want you to know you are not alone. We are here to help and all conversations are confidential. Visit www.shbb.org for more information related to Safe Delivery laws or to find an anonymous Safe Haven Baby Box near you.
What is Safe Delivery?
Safe Delivery laws have been created to protect mothers who are in times of crisis during pregnancy and want to give up all responsibility of caring for a child. These laws allow parents to safely and anonymously leave an infant under 72 hours old with specific, approved individuals who will care for and assist in finding a safe and permanent family for the baby. Being able to give up a child in a way that is quick, safe, and anonymous provides a great adoption alternative for women who do not feel they are ready to be a parent.
How does Safe Delivery work?
You may hear Safe Delivery also referred to as “Safe Haven” or “infant relinquishment” in some states. While different states have various names for these laws (and some requirements may vary slightly by location), Michigan laws allow new mothers to leave their newborn with any of the below-approved individuals:
- A uniformed employee who is inside and on duty at any hospital, fire department, or police station
- Any paramedic or emergency medical technician by calling 9-1-1
After surrendering the baby, an on-duty employee of one of the above locations will provide emergency medical services to the newborn (to the extent they are able) and will arrange for the newborn to be taken to the nearest hospital that has emergency medical services.
If any medical care is needed, the baby will receive help to whatever extent is necessary. Then, the hospital or Safe Delivery location will then contact a licensed adoption agency to begin the process of placing the baby with parents who have already been approved and are waiting to adopt a child.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes
While an infant can be surrendered at any time to any of the approved locations and individuals listed above, there are also a few locations available throughout the United States that offer the option to leave a baby safely without being seen or requiring face-to-face interaction.
A Baby Box is a safe box, which is installed in an exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital. Once a baby is placed inside of the box, the door to the box is automatically locked and staff within the Baby Box’s location are notified that the box has been utilized. A medical staff member can then access the baby through an interior door and secure the newborn from inside the designated building.
While there are not currently any Baby Boxes in the state of Michigan, many of the surrounding states (such as Indiana and Ohio) have Baby Boxes available for parents in Michigan who would prefer this option.
Are there any requirements for Safe Delivery law?
When surrendering a baby, the child must be:
- Under 72 hours old
- Unharmed, and
- Brought by a parent who is not being forced to give up their child
These requirements may vary slightly by state so anyone looking to take advantage of Safe Delivery, Safe Haven, or any similar laws in other locations outside of Michigan should check their state-specific requirements.
Will I need to leave any contact info?
Unless you choose to, you will not need to provide any identifying information when dropping off a baby. Emergency Service providers in Michigan are required to ask if a parent is willing to provide this information, however, you are not required to supply it.
What happens if I change my mind?
If either parent changes their mind and decides they would like to keep the baby, they can contact the County Human or Social Services Department. Since surrendering a child via Safe Delivery removes any connection between the parent and the baby, genetic testing is typically required and child protective services will work with the parent to determine whether or not the child can be placed back in their care.
Safe Delivery and Safe Haven Baby Boxes are great options for preserving the life of a child. These laws allow a mother the peace of mind of being able to leave her child with a trusted guardian who will assist in finding a long-term family for the baby, during a difficult time when she does not feel capable of doing so herself.
If you have any questions regarding Safe Delivery laws, contact PRC GR today. We would love to do whatever we can to help you navigate your options. Our clinic offers free support in a confidential, judgment-free setting. Call us today at (616) 456-6873 or text us at (616) 284-1545.
Other Resources
If you need to talk to someone immediately, the Safe Haven Crisis Line is available to call or text: 1-866-99BABY1.
For more information on Safe Delivery laws, or to find requirements and locations outside of Michigan, visit this website: shbb.org.
References
Safe delivery. SOM – State of Michigan. (n.d.). https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/faq/safe-delivery
Safe Haven Baby Boxes
https://www.shbb.org/crisis