Safe Haven of Newborn Infants

An unwanted pregnancy can be a very traumatic experience. You may have overwhelming feelings of isolation, fear, or shame that could lead to irrational thoughts or acts, such as unsafely abandoning your baby.

Each year in Illinois there are disturbing reports of newborn babies found in dumpsters and other unsafe places. Under the Illinois Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, babies are saved from an unsafe abandonment. The law says that parents who do not harm their baby cannot be prosecuted for abandonment if they hand their newborn (up to 30 days old) to personnel at a safe haven facility. No questions asked. You don’t have to give your name. The police will not be called and your baby will get medical care and be adopted.

Where are Safe Havens?

In Illinois, safe havens for newborns are found at:
Staffed Fire Stations
Staffed Police Stations
Hospitals
Emergency Care Facilities

What Happens at a Safe Haven?

Newborns can be brought to any of the facilities listed above – no questions asked. Staff members at these facilities will ensure the child is given a physical examination and provided with any needed medical care.

If you wish, you can fill out forms to provide medical information about your newborn that will help healthcare workers taking care of your baby. The forms may be filled out at the safe haven location or you can take the forms with you and return them by mail.

Parental Rights

Biological parents should be aware that they are voluntarily terminating their parental rights, which makes the infant available for immediate adoption.

Consider Adoption

Every child deserves a safe, loving, permanent home. You can help provide this by making an adoption plan, even before giving birth. Several public and private agencies in Illinois provide services to those who choose to allow their child to be adopted. Agency staff will carefully interview and check the backgrounds of prospective adoptive parents to make sure they:
Have no criminal or child abuse history
Have room in their home for a child
Can support the child financially
Can provide a loving and safe home

For more information about adoption, please call the Illinois Adoption Registry at 1-877-323-5299 (toll free in Illinois) or click here to visit their web site.