IOWA, USA — Two babies are now in the custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Safe Haven Act.
The infants, a baby girl born May 15 and a baby boy born May 26, mark the third and fourth "Safe Haven babies" of 2024. Earlier this year, Iowa HHS gained custody of two other babies under the Safe Haven Act.
Originally enacted in 2002, the Safe Haven Act is designed to help parents in crisis. Under the act, parents and guardians can leave an infant, aged 90 days or less, at a designated location such as a hospital, police station or fire station.
In 2023, the Iowa Legislature voted to expand the Safe Haven Act to include the use of "newborn safety devices".
In total, 70 infants have fallen under the state's custody as a result of the Safe Haven Act since its enactment over 20 years ago.
The babies will be placed with foster families until a permanent placement can be found.