As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month outreach efforts, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging Michigan citizens to learn about the state's Safe Delivery Law, and how they can help keep babies safe by promoting awareness of the statute.
To highlight the importance of this potentially life-saving law, April 20 was proclaimed Safe Delivery of Newborns Day by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Under the law, a biological parent may legally surrender an infant no more than 72 hours old to an emergency service provider. An emergency service provider is a uniformed or otherwise identified employee or contractor of a hospital, fire department or police station that is inside the building and on duty, or a paramedic or emergency medical technician, who responds to a 911 call.
"Tragically, newborn infants have died due to neglect and exposure after being abandoned. This reminds us of the importance of ensuring public awareness of the Safe Delivery Law," said Nick Lyon, MDHHS director. "We urge all Michiganders to help spread the word about the safe, legal and anonymous option of surrendering an infant, who will then be placed with a loving adoptive family."
Since the state law was enacted in 2001, more than 200 babies have been surrendered in Michigan.
To learn more about the Safe Delivery Law, visit Michigan.gov/safedelivery or call the toll-free 24-hour hotline at 866-733-7733.
Published: Tue, Apr 24, 2018
