Newborn Found in California Dumpster a Reminder of Utah Safe Haven Law

(Salt Lake City, UT) –The Utah Department of Health’s Newborn Safe Haven program is asking everyone to make the right decision to get newborns to a safe place. Passed in 2001, the Safe Haven law allows mothers to anonymously drop off their babies at any Utah hospital, no questions asked, and no police.

“Fortunately, the newborn found in California was healthy and is now safe,” said Utah Rep. Patrice Arent, sponsor of the legislation passed in Utah. “But this is a reminder that every state has a safe haven program. There is no reason a newborn should be left in a dumpster. This life-saving law protects not only newborns, but the identity of anyone who safely drops off a baby at a hospital.”

The Utah Safe Haven hotline number is 866-458-0058 and is staffed 24/7.  For more information, please visit www.utahsafehaven.org. The website offers details on the law, provides helpful answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information for hospitals and crisis and respite nurseries across Utah.

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Media Contacts:
Cyndi Bemis
Public Information Specialist
Utah Department of Health
(o) 538-6348 (m) 801-865-0648
Rep. Patrice Arent
Chair, Utah Newborn Safe Haven Advisory Cmte.
(801) 889-7849