Bill expanding Safe Haven law to Pennsylvania urgent cares passes state senate

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation introduced by State Senator Michele Brooks (R-50) to expand the state's Safe Haven Law.

According to PA.gov, the Safe Haven law gives parents a legal alternative to abandoning their baby. It allows parents to bring their newborn, up to 28 days old) to any hospital, police officer at a police station or an emergency service provider at an EMS station without the fear of being prosecuted, according to the state website.

Senate Bill 267 would add urgent care centers as an additional safe haven location.

According to the release, Pennsylvania's Safe Haven law has saved an estimated 50 babies since 2003 and similar laws nationwide saved more than 2,100 newborns between 1999 and 2013.

"This bill adds to my longtime efforts to strengthen the Safe Haven Law in Pennsylvania, which is dedicated to saving innocent infants that are abandoned in harm's way," Brooks said. "Urgent care centers provide conveniently located, safe environments where parents can surrender unharmed newborns. By including these centers as an option, we can increase awareness efforts that save babies and offer them the chance to be raised in loving homes with families eager to provide care and support."

The release says there are currently more than 350 urgent care centers operating in the state.