Safe Haven Law 033017
Iowa's Safe Haven law would be expanded under a bill approved by the state Senate yesterday.
The law currently allows parents — or another person who has the parent's authorization — to leave an infant up to 14 days old at a hospital or health care facility without fear of prosecution for abandonment.Senate File 360 would expand the safe haven time period to 30 days. Also, a person could call 911 to have first responders pick up the baby. Republican Senator Jake Chapman of Adel managed the bill.
80640Chapman
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“At least 20 babies have been saved under this law. It is my hope that as we pass this bill that this will give more opportunities and will improve access to be able to use our Safe Haven Law.”
The new law would allow for the infant would be taken to the nearest health facility with no repercussions for the person relinquishing the child. Chapman said the bill would help people in rural Iowa who may not be close to a hospital.
The bill was sent to the Iowa House, where it must advance this week to meet a legislative deadline.
