Save Haven Act
The Safe Haven Act allows parents or authorized individuals to leave an infant up to 90 days old at a hospital, healthcare facility, fire station, via a newborn safety device, or with an Adoption Service Provider without facing abandonment charges. Parents can also call 911 and hand over the infant to a first responder. Since its enactment in Iowa in 2002, over 60 children have been safely surrendered. Every state has a Safe Haven law, though details may vary.
Safe Haven Information for Parents PDF
-
A Safe Haven includes hospitals, healthcare facilities, fire stations, newborn safety devices, Adoption Service Providers, and first responders answering 911 calls.
Under the law, an "institutional health facility" refers to:
- A "hospital" as defined in Iowa Code section 135B.1, including 24/7 emergency rooms and facilities offering round-the-clock medical services.
- A "health care facility" as defined in Iowa Code section 135C.1, encompassing residential care facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for those with mental illness, and those with intellectual disabilities.
A “first responder” includes emergency medical care providers, registered nurses or physician assistants staffing authorized service programs, firefighters, and peace officers as defined by law.
A “fire department” refers to a paid or volunteer service, including those under contract, providing fire protection, and a “fire station” is the physical location where such a department operates.
-
The law grants immunity from abandonment prosecution to parents or authorized individuals who leave an infant at a hospital or healthcare facility.
The Safe Haven Act also protects hospitals, healthcare facilities, fire stations, Adoption Service Providers, and their employees from civil or criminal liability when they take reasonable actions to safeguard the infant's physical health and safety.
For more Information visit
Iowa.gov
Be Empowered & Feel Heard
We’re here to support you on your terms, regardless of your ability to pay. Support is available through text, call, or in-person at our facilities, all while preserving your anonymity.
Book Appointment
Need Answers Now?
We're available to text 24/7
(319)-519-0072