Many people cannot imagine that anyone would ever abandon a baby, especially here in the Texas Panhandle…but, sadly, it does happen.

 

It is estimated that each month two infants are abandoned in life-threatening situations in Texas—and approximately 25% of all abandoned babies do not survive. The first days of a newborn’s life are the most critical, and most likely to be when immediate medical attention is required.

 

The Baby Moses Law was passed in Texas because of the growing concern about the number of abandoned infants.

Texas’ Baby Moses Law provides a responsible alternative to parents who might otherwise abandon, neglect, or harm a newborn child. The law states that a parent may leave an unharmed infant up to sixty (60) days old in the arms of an employee at a Safe Baby hospital, or a manned EMS or fire station.

 

The police will not be called and the parent will not be prosecuted for abandonment or neglect. (Texas State Law 262.301 & 262.302).

If a parent wishes, a third party can hand over the child. The parent is not required to be present for the transfer of care. As long as the child has no signs of physical abuse, the child is taken with no questions asked.

 

A parent may provide important information for the child’s well-being (such as family medical history, infant medical history, allergies, etc.); however, it is not required.

Hemphill County Hospital’s Emergency Department is a 24-hour/7-day-a-week manned Safe Baby Site located at 1020 S. 4th Street, Canadian, Texas.

 

Babies cannot be dropped off at an EMS or fire station unless it is manned 24/7 as the child has to be placed in the arms of someone capable of caring for the child and providing medical attention if needed.

Look for the Safe Baby Site signs. Please don’t leave a baby in a place where they might not be found or at an entrance where there is not a sign posted.

 

The decision to relinquish custody of a child can be difficult. To better understand the process or to discuss this decision with another person, contact the Texas Baby Moses Hotline at 1-877-904-SAVE or Baby Safe Haven’s confidential hotline at 1-888-510-BABY.

 

Safe Baby Sites are prepared to meet the needs of newborns turned over at the site. Many people care and are ready to help. Please help us get the word out that no baby in our community has to die from abuse, neglect, or abandonment!