What is the Texas Safe Haven Law?

In 1999, Texas was the first state to pass a Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law. The law aims to prevent infant deaths by offering parents the option to leave their unharmed newborn at a designated Safe Haven location. It provides a compassionate, safe, anonymous, and legal alternative to infant abandonment.

Read the Texas Safe Haven Law
Ch. 262, Subch. D

Surrender Proccess

Both you and your baby deserve a chance. The Baby Moses Hotline is here to provide information about the Texas Safe Haven/Baby Moses Law.

  • The Safe Haven/Baby Moses law allows parents to anonymously surrender an unharmed infant 60 days old or younger without legal repercussions.
  • Parents must surrender the infant at a Designated Emergency Infant Care (DEIC) location.  These locations include:
    • Fire Stations
    • EMS Stations
    • Hospitals
  • To surrender a child at a DEIC location, you must physically hand your child to an employee of the facility, unless you use a Safe Baby box.
  • There are limited Safe Haven locations equipped with baby boxes throughout Texas. Please contact the Baby Moses Hotline for details.
  • You may be asked for medical history; however, you are not required to provide any information.  
  • If you believe you are the parent of a surrendered child, you can contact Child Protective Services to inquire. Legal assistance is recommended. 

Designated Emergency Infant Care Information

  • Fire stations, EMS stations, and hospitals are Designated Emergency Infant Care (DEIC) locations under the Safe Haven law.  
  • Designated Emergency Infant Care providers are responsible for accepting the child under the Safe Haven law.
  • It is not your responsibility to determine harm; this is the responsibility of Child Protective Services.
  • DEIC is required to have the child transported to a hospital, where they will be examined, and medical care is provided.
  • Once the child is at the hospital, the hospital will notify CPS through the Statewide Intake reporting line (800)252-5400. Let the intake specialist know that you have a surrender under the Baby moses law.
  • CPS will take custody of the child after medical assessment.
  • CPS will then start the process for placement/foster care for the child.