Texas Safe Haven Laws Explained: How Mothers Can Surrender Newborns Safely

Texas has many laws. Laws that prevent certain crimes from taking place, laws that protect pedestrians when crossing the street, but some lesser-known laws within the Lone Star State are less talked about.

What I'm referring to are Safe Haven Laws—protection for mothers who are unable or unwilling to care for their newborn babies.

How do Texas Safe Haven Laws Work?

The Safe Haven Law, or the Baby Moses Law, was first introduced in 1999 under the Texas Family Code.

This offers a safe and legal alternative to mothers abandoning their infants for any reason. It allows mothers to surrender their children to certain safe sites across the state. However, once the babies are surrendered, the mother gives away all parental rights.

Safe Haven Laws only apply to babies that are 60 days old or younger. The child must also be unharmed in order for the Safe Haven site to take over and begin the adoption process, free of charge.

Safe Haven sites across Texas include the following:

• Hospitals
• Fire departments
• Emergency care facilities
• Emergency medical services (EMS)

The baby must be handed to staff directly, and all mothers can remain anonymous if they choose.

Baby Boxes in Texas

Some fire stations in Texas have specialized containers called baby boxes that are designed for secure and temporary holding for newborns.

These boxes are climate-controlled and are fitted with technology that will notify first responders whenever a baby is placed inside.

Staff will immediately take action by responding to assess the child and administering the proper care needed until they can work on finding an alternate home.