An Act to amend the safe haven law to extend the timeframe for voluntary placement of newborns
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Massachusetts’ safe haven law to extend the timeframe for a parent to voluntarily surrender a newborn infant. Currently, the law allows for a 72-hour period for placement, and this bill extends that timeframe. The goal is to provide more options for parents facing difficult circumstances and ensure newborns receive immediate care. It aims to improve the safety and support available to vulnerable infants and their families.
Key provisions
- Extends the voluntary surrender timeframe for newborns from 72 hours to 14 days.
- Maintains the current requirements for safe haven hospitals.
- Allows for a newborn to be placed anonymously.
- Preserves the option for parents to reclaim their child after a period of time.
- Ensures newborns receive medical care and support upon placement.
Who is affected
- Newborn infants
- Parents facing difficult circumstances
- Hospitals
- Healthcare providers
- Child welfare agencies
Notable changes
- Increases the current 72-hour surrender period to 14 days.
- No changes to the requirements for hospitals accepting safe haven infants.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Jennifer Balinsky Armini
Cosponsor
Jennifer Balinsky Armini
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