(Salt Lake City, UT) Beginning May 7, 2025, the Utah Newborn Safe Haven law will allow parents or a parent’s designee to give up custody of their newborn 90 days old (3 months) or younger at any hospital in the state, no questions asked. The baby will receive the care they need in a forever home. No names, blame, or shame—only love and support.
The original law, sponsored by former Sen. Patrice Arent, was passed in 2001 and limited the age of the newborn to 30 days (1 month) or younger. The intent of that bill was to help protect newborns from injury or death by providing a safe place (hospitals) for them and allow the identity of the person who gives up the baby to remain anonymous. With the recent update to statute—expanding the age of “newborn child” to approximately 90 days old or younger—a renewed emphasis will be placed on statewide public awareness of this life saving option (SB 57, Hinkins)
Arent, chair of the Newborn Safe Haven Advisory board, says, “The law exists to protect infants, help birth parents, and to find loving homes for the newborns. By expanding the age to 90 days old or younger, more babies in Utah will have the chance to live safe and happy lives.”
Once the newborn has been examined by medical professionals at the hospital, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is contacted and the baby is placed for adoption.
If you are a parent of a newborn and you are struggling, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. You don’t have to hurt or abandon your baby. For more information on Newborn Safe Haven, visit utahsafehaven.org or call the toll-free hotline available 24 hours, 7 days a week at 866-458-0058.
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