Laws by State
Safe Haven Laws by State 2026
Max Age of Infant (days)
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
State | Max Age of Infant (days)↓ | Who Can Relinquish | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | North Dakota | 365 | Parent |
 | Iowa | 90 | Parent |
 | New Mexico | 90 | Parent |
 | New Hampshire | 61 | Parent |
 | Kansas | 60 | Parent |
 | Louisiana | 60 | Parent |
 | South Carolina | 60 | Anyone |
 | South Dakota | 60 | Parent |
 | Texas | 60 | Parent |
 | Alabama | 45 | Parent |
 | Mississippi | 45 | Parent |
 | Missouri | 45 | Parent or their designated "agent" |
 | Maine | 31 | Parent |
 | Arizona | 30 | Parent or their designated "agent" |
 | Arkansas | 30 | Parent or person with parental permission |
 | Connecticut | 30 | Parent or “lawful agent” of the parent |
 | Georgia | 30 | Parent |
 | Idaho | 30 | Parent |
 | Illinois | 30 | Parent |
 | Indiana | 30 | Parent |
 | Kentucky | 30 | Parent |
 | Montana | 30 | Parent |
 | Nebraska | 30 | Parent |
 | Nevada | 30 | Parent |
 | New Jersey | 30 | Parent or their designated person |
 | New York | 30 | Parent |
 | Ohio | 30 | Parent |
 | Oklahoma | 30 | Parent |
 | Oregon | 30 | Parent |
 | Rhode Island | 30 | Parent |
 | Utah | 30 | Parent or their designated person |
 | Vermont | 30 | Parent |
 | Virginia | 30 | Parent |
 | West Virginia | 30 | Parent |
 | Pennsylvania | 28 | Parent |
 | Alaska | 21 | Parent |
 | Delaware | 14 | Parent |
 | Tennessee | 14 | Mother only |
 | Wyoming | 14 | Parent or their designated person |
 | Maryland | 10 | Mother or her designated person |
 | Florida | 7 | Parent |
 | Massachusetts | 7 | Parent |
 | Minnesota | 7 | Mother or her designated person |
 | North Carolina | 7 | Parent |
 | California | 3 | Parent or person with lawful custody |
 | Colorado | 3 | Parent |
 | Hawaii | 3 | Parent |
 | Michigan | 3 | Parent |
 | Washington | 3 | Parent |
 | Wisconsin | 3 | Parent |
- “Max Age” refers to the maximum permitted age (in days) at which the child may be relinquished according to state safe haven laws.
- Data regarding the number of baby boxes available in each state may change with little notice. Current totals may vary. Impacted parties are advised to consult the official source’s up-to-the-minute map.
Safe Haven laws, also known as Baby Safe Haven laws or Safe Surrender laws, were first introduced in Texas in 1999. These laws enable a person, usually a parent, to anonymously and legally surrender their newborn baby at designated locations, typically within a specified time frame after birth, without fear of prosecution for abandonment. The goal of Safe Haven laws is to prevent infant deaths by providing a safe and confidential alternative for parents who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborns.
Each state in the U.S. has its own variation of Safe Haven laws, specifying the age limit of the infant, the allowable surrender locations, and other relevant details. The table below provides an overview of Safe Haven laws by state, including the maximum age of the infant allowed for surrender and the designated surrender locations.
Among the states with notable Safe Haven laws is South Dakota, which allows infants to be surrendered up to 59 days old. Similarly, Kansas permits surrenders of infants up to 45 days old, while California, Arizona, and Hawaii have a 72-hour time frame for surrender after birth.
It’s important to note that Safe Haven laws aim to protect both the infant and the parent or guardian, offering a solution that prioritizes the welfare of the child above all else. By understanding the provisions of Safe Haven laws in their respective states, individuals can help ensure that newborns have the opportunity for a safe and healthy start in life.
