The Safe Haven law states that a parent or a person under the parent’s authorization may leave an unwanted infant, up to 14 days old, at a hospital or health care facility without chance of prosecution for abandonment.

In 2001, Iowa passed the Safe Haven initiative, a resource that is little known to Ames and surrounding residents.

“The Safe Haven law is important for the people of Ames to know about because I really feel that the people of Ames are not even aware of the law,”said Beth Rich, registered nurse certified in inpatient obstetrics. “Iowa and Ames, I feel, are fairly isolated when it comes to tragic events that happen to children.”

Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames is one designated drop off facility. A person may take the child to the hospital’s emergency department.

“Signs for the Safe Haven are prominently displayed in the entrance of the emergency department and on Birthways Unit, as a facility where an infant may be safely relinquished,” said Terrie Greco, clinical supervisor of birthways at Mary Greeley. “A crib is located in the entrance of the Emergency Department for an infant to be placed for anyone wanting to use this service.”

The Safe Haven law is set up to allow a person to anonymously relinquish custody of a child. Hospital employees are then to notify the Iowa Department of Human Services and the rights of custody by both parents will be terminated within 30 days.

“As a staff member for Mary Greeley Medical Center, if a baby is found on site, the staff personal would take the baby to the emergency department to be examined by a pediatrician,” Greco said. “The baby then would be admitted to the pediatric unit for follow-up.”

This law gives a parent who feels they are incapable of caring for a child a chance to give their baby to a responsible adult. The hope for this law is that this option will reduce danger and death of unwanted young infants.

“I feel that the most important things for [Ames residents] to know is where they can drop a child off and that they will not be prosecuted for doing it,” Rich said.