How to Drop Off an Unwanted Baby

If you find yourself unable to care for your baby, that does not make you a bad person. There are a lot of agencies and people who would like to help you. Here's how to get help in making an important decision.

[edit] Steps

  1. If you have recently given birth, be certain both you and the baby get appropriate health care. If you have to, go to the emergency room.
  2. If you feel that you will harm your child: Most states in the U.S. have baby safe haven laws, allowing people to turn over their babies unharmed to a local receiving organization without the threat of prosecution. Normally, the receiving agency is a hospital emergency room, responsible adult, manned fire department, or police station. You must arrive with the baby unharmed and be handed over to a person---NOT left in a lobby, doorway, or unattended. Very kind, concerned, and professional men and women will help you from there.
  3. Learn about Adoption Options: Adoption may be the solution for you, even if the child is disabled, the product of rape or incest, or has other birth defects. Find out about this option at the receiving center.
  4. Know Your Rights: In most states, there is something of a "waiting period" in which you can change your mind. Under US baby safe haven laws, most states allow the mother up to 30 days to change her mind before the baby becomes freed up for adoption.
  5. Get Help Yourself: Having a baby may be traumatic. Ask for a counselor or someone else to consult with you.


[edit] Tips

  • The most important thing is to get the baby to an appropriate safe haven.
  • Adoption and save haven staff are there to help you.
  • It's OK to be scared and frightened.


[edit] Warnings

  • Consider Adoption. If you place your child for adoption, you may choose an "OPEN ADOPTION" where you may have contact in the form of cards, letters, or even visits with your child and his/her family. This will not be an option if you simply drop off your child under Safe Haven Laws. An open adoption can help you better cope with your grief because you will not have to wonder what happened to your child. You will know.


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Categories:Adoption

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Nicole Willson, Ben Rubenstein, Mardie Caldwell, Anonymous, Andy C Zhang, KnowItSome, Sondra C, Flickety, Daniil Filipenco, Zack, Heather, Versageek, Trackstar24, Brandywine, Maluniu, D rae, Travis Derouin, Bernousa, VermontGal, Zoe Volt, MA, JoeSchmoe4, Rojo Don Poho, Eric Wester, Kismit, Mel, Jack H, Dave Crosby
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