Being the parent of a newborn can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, it may feel like more than you can do, and you need a safe way out. Missouri’s Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002 allows a parent to anonymously leave a newborn child with hospital staff, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement officers, or pregnancy resource centers, like Birthright St Charles, without risk of legal consequences. It gives distressed parents a safe way to hand over their baby without facing legal consequences, as long as they follow the rules.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Who can accept your baby safely?
- You can take your baby (who is less than 45 days old) to staff working at hospitals, maternity homes, or pregnancy resource centers.
- You can also leave your baby with firefighters, police officers, or emergency medical workers on duty.
You won’t face legal consequences:
- As long as the baby is safe, you share that you do not plan to return and hand them over to the right person, those listed above. You will NOT face charges for abandoning the baby in these circumstances.
- The baby has not been abused or neglected before you voluntarily give them to appropriate and safe service staff.
No one will ask who you are:
- You don’t have to give your name or any information about yourself when you hand over the baby.
- The people who take the baby aren’t allowed to ask who you are or try to find out.
- If you do share information about yourself or the child, that information can only be shared with specific, appropriate personnel to ensure the child’s care.
What happens to the baby?
- Once you give the baby to the right person, they will make sure the baby gets to a hospital.
- The hospital will check the baby’s health and contact the appropriate authorities, who will then take care of the baby.
If you change your mind:
- If you are the parent and want your baby back, you must tell the court within 30 days of a public notice that the baby has been given to the approved locations and staff.
- The court will then start the process of determining whether you are able to take care of the baby.
Protection for those helping:
- The people who take your baby and help follow the law are protected from being sued or in trouble as long as they are doing their job properly.
If you’re feeling scared, desperate, or completely unprepared to care for your newborn, know that you’re not alone and that there is a safe way out.
Whether you’re facing a difficult situation—like domestic violence, financial struggles, post-partum concerns, or emotional challenges, there are qualified master-level counselors at Birthright St. Charles who are there to help if you want to talk or just need resources. The Missouri Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002 is here to help if life feels too overwhelming. Just follow the guidelines to find a safe path for you and your newborn.