State Sen. Mark Messmer issues statement on expanding Indiana's Safe Haven Law

For most people, the idea of abandoning a newborn baby is unimaginable. However, the unfortunate reality is that some parents find this to be their only option. The Indiana Safe Haven Law, first established in 2000, allows a person to give up their infant within 30 days of birth without fear of arrest or prosecution, so long as no harm has come to the baby. In the past 10 years, 47 babies have been saved under this law.

In recent years, the General Assembly has also enacted legislation that supports the installment of baby boxes, which are places for a parent to safely and anonymously transfer custody of their child to the state.

These laws have been expanded over the years to allow baby boxes to be installed in emergency medical service stations, including hospitals and fire stations.

To further ensure that every parent has this option to offer their child a life they feel they cannot provide, the General Assembly passed House Enrolled Act 1230 this session.

HEA 1230 expands the Safe Haven Law yet again. HEA 1230 allows a parent to call 911 and surrender their child as long as the child is no more than a month old.

With 56 baby boxes across the state, the Safe Haven Law has helped many parents give their child a life they could not provide. Since the creation of this program, three states have followed Indiana's lead — Ohio, Arkansas and Florida. I am proud to support legislation that allows us to protect the most vulnerable Hoosiers in unfortunate situations.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.