The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) says a newborn baby girl was turned over to a hospital on June 7th. It is the 26th time the Safe Haven law has been used since it went into effect in 2002.
The newborn girl was released to the custody of the DHS. A court hearing to terminate parental rights will be held within a month. Specific details on where the child was dropped off are being withheld in order to protect the identity of the parents and child.
Iowa’s safe haven law allows parents the option to hand over custody of babies age 14 days or younger without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The parent, or their authorized representative, can leave the newborn at a hospital or health care facility, and can remain anonymous.