Legal Definitions - safe-haven law

A safe-haven law is a law that protects a parent who leaves their baby at a designated place, such as a hospital, a physician's office, or a fire station, where the baby can receive emergency medical assistance if needed. The law typically states that the parent who leaves the baby at such a place will not be publicly identified or prosecuted.

These laws have been enacted in many states in response to an increase in incidents of child abandonment. They are also known as Baby Moses laws.

A mother who is unable to care for her newborn baby can take the baby to a designated safe-haven location without fear of being prosecuted. The baby will receive medical attention and be placed in the care of a responsible party.

Another example is a father who is struggling to provide for his child and feels that he cannot properly care for them. He can take the child to a safe-haven location and know that they will receive the care they need.

These examples illustrate how safe-haven laws provide a way for parents to ensure that their child is safe and cared for, even if they are unable to provide that care themselves.