Saint Vincent:  A Safe Haven for Newborns, an Alternative for Troubled Moms

Saint Vincent is one of more than 250 hospitals in Pennsylvania where parents may safely surrender a baby if they fear they cannot care for the child.   

Safe Haven, a state law, allows parents to confidentially turn over unwanted infants, up to 28 days old, to any hospital as an alternative to abandonment.   Babies can be handed over to any hospital staff member. As long as the child is unharmed, parents will not be asked any questions, nor do they have to provide any personal information.  

While it is recommended, it is not required that the parent provide medical information for the child.  A baby turned over to a hospital will receive necessary medical care after which time the county's child and youth agency will work to find the child a family through the state's foster care system.  

Pennsylvania's Safe Haven law took effect in 2003. To date, 14 babies have been saved through the program.

If you are pregnant and not prepared to be a mom, Saint Vincent is a safe haven for your newborn. No one will judge. No one will say a word. Your secret and your baby are safe with us.

For more information on the Safe Haven program go to www.secretsafe.org or call 1-866-921-SAFE.