Home For Mothers Background & Purpose Contact Us Signs
the Baby Moses Project

For Mothers

If I want to leave my baby at a safe haven, where can I go?

    You may take your baby to any hospital, fire rescue station, or emergency medical technician (EMT) in the state of Texas.

    Please remember that it is VERY important to give your baby to a person working at one of these facilities. That is the best way to care for your baby.

    People working at these facilities usually have some form of visible identification.

    Tell the person that you want to leave your baby at the Safe Haven Site.
Do I have to take my baby to the closest hospital, fire rescue station or EMT station?
    No, you can take your baby to any hospital, fire rescue station or EMT station in the state of Texas.
How long can I wait before I take my baby?
    You can take your baby, up to 60 days old.
What will they ask me?
    The people at the safe haven facility where you choose to leave your baby may provide you with a voluntary form to fill out that will be used to provide medical information for your child. This is NOT an attempt to obtain your identity. This information will be put in your baby's records, and may help answer important health questions in the future.

    The facility may offer to give you some referrals and help lines that you may want to call in the future if you want to speak with someone about what you have been through.
Is it true that the police will not be called?
    The police will not be called if your unharmed baby (60 days old or less) is brought to a hospital, fire rescue station or EMT station and given to a person who works at the facility.

    If you leave your unharmed baby at a hospital, fire station or with an EMT, you will not be prosecuted for abandonment or neglect.
What happens to my baby?
    If you leave your baby at a fire station or with and EMT, they will give the baby immediate medical care and then transport the baby to the closest hospital.

    The hospital will take care of any additional medical needs that your baby may have.

    The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) will then take custody of your child.
    After the legal responsibilities are fulfilled by TDFPS, your baby will be placed with caring family.
Why must the baby be 60 days old or less?
    The intent of Baby Moses law is to provide a responsible alternative to desperate mothers.

    The first days of a newborns life are the most critical, and most likely the time that immediate medical attention is required.


P.O. Box 4642, Victoria, Texas 77903, (361) 572-0196