If you have just delivered and need immediate help, please call or text the National Safe Have Alliance’s 24/7 crisis hotline at (888) 510-2229 or contact Adoption Advocates at (512) 477-1122.
As women’s access to healthcare becomes scarce in Texas, more women may be faced with the difficult choice of not raising their children. If you do not feel prepared to parent, you have several options like placing the child with a family member, contacting an adoption agency or placing privately with the help of a family law attorney. In some situations, the only option may feel like leaving your baby at a hospital or fire station.
What is the Safe Haven Law in Texas?
The Texas Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses law, allows you to leave your baby, up to 60 days old, with an employee on duty at hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services (EMS) station in Texas. If you choose to leave your baby at a hospital or emergency medical services provider, the child will be turned over to Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. After receiving necessary medical care, the baby will be placed with an emergency provider, and eventually with a family through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Can I get in trouble for leaving my baby at a safe haven location?
You can relinquish your baby anonymously with no questions asked, and as long as your baby is unharmed, you cannot be prosecuted for neglect or abandonment. Learn more about the Texas Safe Haven Law.
How is an adoption agency an alternative to safe haven?
For comparison, if you contact Adoption Advocates, you will have options and be able to take an active role in the planning for your child’s future. You will have the opportunity to choose the adoptive family that will raise your baby, if you want to do so. You'll be able to receive updates and photographs when you are ready, and our families are open to in-person contact.
You can also choose to have a closed adoption, and not know anything about or have contact with the adoptive family. It's your choice. Either way, you'll also have a counselor to confide in and to help you cope with your situation.
Another difference involves the age of your child. You can begin making an adoption plan while you are pregnant, or decide to explore adoption at any time after your baby is born. Adoption Advocates works with parents to place child up to three years of age. Safe haven law in Texas, on the other hand, has an age limit and only allows surrender of a child up to 60 days from birth.
If you choose to place your baby for adoption through Adoption Advocates, we will be able to provide immediate care for your newborn by placing your baby in interim care (also known as cradle care) with a private foster family while you make decisions about the adoption. You will also have begin to receive additional support services, such as grief counseling, to help you through this difficult process.
Can I leave my baby at an adoption agency under the Safe Haven Law?
No, you may not leave your child anonymously with an adoption agency. However, we are available to meet with you 24/7 if you are in a crisis situation and can offer safe, temporary shelter for your baby. If you need help immediately, please text us (512) 656-5560.
Adoption Advocates is a safe and judgment-free place for you to explore your options, even after the baby has been born. The child does not have to enter the Department of Family and Protective Services and we do not contact Immigration regarding undocumented people. Read more about how to place your baby up for adoption.
What matters most is that your baby is safe and cared for. If you are pregnant, or have just delivered, and feel that you are unable to raise your child, please reach out for help. You can call or text the National Safe Haven Alliance's 24/7 crisis hotline at (888)-510-2229 or contact Adoption Advocates at (512) 477-1122.
