Are you or someone you know pregnant and scared? You don't have to be afraid, because there are ways to protect yourself and your newborn baby. Safe Haven is a law that allows you to keep your identity private, and your baby safe and healthy. No questions asked.

Keep your baby and your identity safe

If you are unable to care for your newborn, you may surrender the baby at any hospital or police station as long as the infant is unharmed and less than 28 days old. No one will ask your name, and you will not be in trouble.

Safe Haven is a federal law, but each state has different requirements. In Pennsylvania, a parent can take the baby to any hospital emergency room or police station. You may place the baby in the Safe Haven bassinette at a hospital emergency room and ring the bell if there is one nearby. Some hospitals provide medical forms to share your confidential family medical history.

You also may place the baby in the arms of an employee in the emergency department who is wearing a hospital identification badge, or in the arms of a police officer at police stations. No one will ask your name, and you should not voluntarily give it if you want to remain anonymous.

Medical care for you and your baby

Your baby will receive immediate medical attention. In addition, 911 and the Pa. Department of Children and Youth will be contacted to place your child in foster care. Your baby also will be eligible for adoption.

The birthing process can leave new mothers susceptible to hemorrhage. If you request medical care, you will not be refused.

A legal way to give up your baby

Abandoning your baby is against the law. However, if you follow the Safe Haven requirements and bring your unharmed infant to a hospital or police station, you will not be prosecuted. Bringing your baby to a Safe Haven location is the right choice for you and for your baby. And no one ever needs to know.

To speak with someone confidentially, call the Safe Haven hotline at 1-866-921-SAFE (7233) or visit secretsafe.org to learn the location of your nearest emergency room or police station.