Iowa Safe Haven Law Sees Fifth Baby Surrendered

A baby girl born on July 30 has been surrendered under Iowa's Safe Haven Law, marking the fifth case this year. This law, effective for over 20 years, allows parents in crisis to relinquish infants up to 90 days old at designated locations such as hospitals and fire stations without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is currently caring for the infant and will place her with a foster family until adoption. Since the law's inception, a total of 71 infants have been surrendered, with 10 cases reported last year. The Safe Haven program aims to support parents in distress while ensuring the welfare of the surrendered children.