When women today discover an unplanned pregnancy, they have all sorts of options before them. We live in a society that values independence and privacy. Women have the medical know how and legal support to end a pregnancy before anyone else has to know. They can choose not to take on the responsibility of raising a child.
One of the options that is available to expectant moms, but not totally known or understood by many, is something called “Safe Haven.” Florida, like many states, has a “Safe Haven Act.” A parent has the right to take a newborn (up to 7-days old in Florida) and leave them at a hospital or fire station, with “no questions asked.” This is designed to prevent parents from giving birth and discarding or abandoning the baby to die somewhere. Birth Moms then know her baby will be well cared for and will be placed for adoption.
Women who gave birth following an unplanned pregnancy can choose Safe Haven with complete anonymity. Hospital staff usually contacts a Florida adoption agency for the purpose of placing the baby for adoption.
CFS has received such calls! In one example, the Birth Mother had been admitted to the hospital, had safely delivered a healthy baby and then chose to leave the hospital under the Safe Haven Act. Her choice assured her that her baby would be placed in a safe, loving home. This Birth Mom could leave the hospital, knowing that staff would then cleanse all identifying information from hers and the baby’s files.
A women with an unplanned pregnancy who decides to make a loving choice allows a baby to be placed into a Christian home with parents who most definitely will make sure that he is loved and well cared for.
Knowing all the unstated factors regarding an unplanned pregnancy, I choose to believe that God has a plan for this precious life – from conception. Not Perfect, but still A Wonderful World!
Contact a Caseworker at CFS for pregnancy help. We are an adoption agency in Florida, where you can reach caseworkers any time, any day, toll-free at 800-226-2367 or text us at 352-600-2138.
Written by Jerry Callens, CFS Caseworker
