Number: RS20901
Title: "Safe Haven" for Abandoned Infants: Background on the Issue and State Laws
Authors: Karen Spar, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The number of infants abandoned by their birth parents in public places appears to have increased in recent years, prompting legislatures in 42 states to enact new legislation since 1999. For the most part, these laws are intended to provide a "safe haven" for birth parents to surrender their unharmed children without risk of prosecution. This report summarizes available information on the issue and on state laws that have bee proposed or enacted.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated August 24, 2001