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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will allow parents to surrender children up to 30 days old without criminal consequences. Under Florida’s existing “safe haven” law, parents can only surrender children up to seven days old.
Additionally, parents will be able to part with their children after delivery in a hospital or by calling 911. They would have to let hospital staff know that they are voluntarily giving up their babies and do not plan to reclaim them. Previously, newborns had to be relinquished at emergency rooms or fire stations.
As long as the baby doesn’t show signs of child abuse or neglect, the law shields the parents’ identity. The law is set to go into effect on July 1.
The Florida Legislature passed HB 775 unanimously and without discussion during committee hearings or on the chambers’ floors. But one of the bill’s sponsors, Republican Rep. Jennifer Canady of Polk County, said the change to allow parents to call 911 to surrender a child would help those without access to transportation.
Since 2000, when Florida first enacted its “safe haven” law, around 380 babies have been surrendered at fire stations, emergency medical services, and hospitals, according to a legislative analysis.
DeSantis’ approval of the bill on Wednesday evening came almost a month after the state’s six-week abortion ban went into effect.
The post DeSantis approves bill allowing parents to give up babies up to 30 days old appeared first on Florida Phoenix.