If you are pregnant and frightened, here is exactly what happens.

Where you can go

Every state has designated Safe Haven locations where an unharmed infant can be safely surrendered.

Hospitals are commonly designated Safe Havens. Depending on your state, other approved locations may include fire stations, police or law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and in some states, a staffed church or other designated provider.

You do not need to call ahead. You do not need an appointment. You can walk in and talk to staff.

Approved locations vary by state. Check the Safe Haven law in your state before choosing a location.

Who you give the baby to

At a staffed Safe Haven location, give your baby directly to an authorized staff member, such as a nurse, firefighter, paramedic or other designated Safe Haven provider.

Do not leave your baby unattended. If you do not immediately see someone, keep your baby with you and ask for assistance.

Some states also allow a baby to be safely surrendered through a Safe Haven Baby Box, which allows a baby to be surrendered without a face to face interaction.

Baby Box laws and locations vary by state. Check the Safe Haven law in your state.

What information you may be asked for

Safe Haven Laws are designed to protect the baby and provide a safe option for a parent in crisis.

In many states, a parent can remain anonymous. You may be offered a medical history form or asked for information that could help doctors care for your baby.

Providing medical information can be extremely helpful for your baby's future care, but requirements vary by state.

You do not have to explain or defend your decision in order to ask for help.

For information about exactly what applies where you live, check your state's law or contact the National Safe Haven Alliance.

What happens next for your baby

Your baby will be examined, cared for and kept safe.

What happens next depends on your state's law. The baby may enter the care of the state's child welfare system and be placed with a foster to adopt family, or may be placed through an approved adoption process.

From the moment your baby is safely surrendered, trained professionals take responsibility for your baby's care.

What happens next for you

If the requirements of your state's Safe Haven Law are met and the baby is unharmed, the law provides legal protections for the person making the surrender.

After the Safe Haven process is complete, you may leave.

If you later have questions about your rights or whether it is possible to seek custody of your child, contact the appropriate state agency or the National Safe Haven Alliance as soon as possible.

Those rules and timelines vary by state.

Know your state's age limit

Every state has its own Safe Haven Law, including a specific age limit for when an infant may be safely surrendered.

Those time limits vary significantly from state to state. It could be up to three days old, or 30 days old or more. Again, it varies by each state's law.

Do not guess.

Use the state map or contact the National Safe Haven Alliance to learn exactly what applies where you live. Check the Safe Haven law in your state.