SAFE HAVEN FOR ABANDONED BABIES
S.B. 1052-1053, 1187 & H.B. 5543

Current Status

On January 1, 2001, new laws took effect in Michigan that shield parents from criminal penalties if they safely surrender a newborn baby to an emergency services provider. The increasing and disturbing trend of young mothers abandoning their newborn babies in any number of dangerous places has prompted state legislators to introduce legislation to prevent the tragic death of newborns.

These bills will give a parent immunity from child abandonment laws if they bring their baby to a safe place. SB1052-53 & 1187 along with HB5543 will define hospitals, police and fire stations as a "safe haven" to bring an infant to within 72 hours of birth; put procedures in place for making the child available for adoption; and publicize the overall program. RLM worked to see that provisions were added to the bills to make sure women leaving babies also are given information for contacting confidential help if they later need medical assistance or counseling.

History

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved S.B. 1052-1053 and 1187 on May 16, 2000. Each bill had been amended to incorporate changes sought by RLM, including that the babies being brought in will go directly into the care of an adoption agency once they are ready to leave the hospital. The Senate unanimously approved the three Senate bills on May 24, 2000. On May 25, the House Family & Civil Law Committee took up H.B. 5543 and the Senate bills, also approving them unanimously. H.B. 5543 was passed unanimously by the House after minor amendments were adopted on May 30. The three Senate bills were passed unanimously the next day, May 31. The Senate Families, Mental Health and Human Services Committee approved H.B. 5543 on June 1. Completion of the entire package is expected by June 7. Governor Engler signed the four bills into law on June 26, 2000, making them Public Acts 232-235 of 2000.

 

You may view the legislation on the Michigan Legislature's website at www.MichiganLegislature.org using "Search by Bill Number." Be sure to search for bills under the "1999-2000" session.