Safe Haven Expansion Signed Into Law

MADISON, Wis. — Legislation by Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) and Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) expanding Wisconsin’s “Safe Haven” law was signed into law on Friday. The Safe Haven law allows new parents in crisis to safely and legally surrender their newborn baby to authorities without fear of prosecution.

Previously under the Safe Haven law, a new parent could legally surrender their child only within the first three days following birth. Assembly Bill 237/Senate Bill 243, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 94, expands the Safe Haven law by extending the age at which an infant can be legally surrendered from 3 days to 30 days, joining Wisconsin with most other states.

“Safe Haven laws are proven to save lives. Extending the age to 30 days ensures parents in crisis have more time to make the right decision for their newborn baby and will save more lives. I’m grateful for all the support this legislation received throughout the legislative process and the cooperation of all stakeholders who helped ensure this proposal was a bipartisan success,” Hutton said.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.