Sometimes life brings unexpected circumstances, and parents may feel unable to care for their newborn. In these moments, knowing about Michigan’s Safe Delivery law can bring relief and clarity. It’s a compassionate, legal way to keep babies safe while honoring birth parents’ dignity.

What Is Safe Delivery in Michigan?

Michigan’s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law allows a parent to safely and confidentially surrender their newborn, up to 72 hours old, to an emergency service provider. This includes:

• Hospitals
• Fire stations
• Police stations
• Paramedics responding to a 911 call

No questions are required about the parent’s identity. The priority is keeping the baby safe and cared for.

How Does Safe Delivery Work?

Here’s what happens:

1 – A parent brings the baby to an emergency provider.

The baby must be under three days old. The parent can simply tell staff they’re surrendering under Safe Delivery. If the parent is already in the hospital after giving birth, they can let the social worker know, they would like to use Safe Delivery instead of taking the baby home.

2 – The baby receives immediate medical care.

Nurses or paramedics will check the baby’s health and provide any needed treatment.

3 – Information forms are offered.

Parents can choose to fill out medical history forms to help future caregivers understand the baby’s health needs. This is optional and anonymous.

4 – The baby is placed for adoption.

After medical clearance, the baby is placed with a pre-approved adoptive family through a licensed Michigan adoption agency. The adoption process ensures legal protections for the child and adoptive family.

Why Was Safe Delivery Created?

This law was designed to:

• Prevent unsafe abandonment
• Protect newborns from harm
• Give birth parents a safe, judgment-free option

Every year, Safe Delivery saves lives by ensuring babies are cared for quickly and lovingly.

Is Safe Delivery the Same as Adoption?

Safe Delivery results in adoption, but it’s different from making an adoption plan during pregnancy. With an adoption plan, birth parents:

• Choose the adoptive family
• Decide on open, semi-open, or closed adoption
• Receive counseling, legal support, and resources
• Stay involved in creating a birth and hospital plan

Safe Delivery is an anonymous, emergency option when a parent feels unable to care for their newborn after birth. Birth parents have 28 days to petition the court for custody if they change their mind.

Who Can Use Safe Delivery in Michigan?

Any parent of a baby under 72 hours old who feels they cannot provide care can use this law. This includes:

• Birth mothers
• Birth fathers (if present at surrender)
• Legal guardians in rare circumstances

What Happens to Babies After Safe Delivery?

The baby is placed with a family approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or a licensed adoption agency like Adoption Partners of Michigan. These families are ready to provide loving, stable homes.

What If I’m Pregnant and Considering Adoption Instead?

If you’re still pregnant and considering adoption, working with a licensed Michigan adoption agency allows you to:

• Choose the adoptive family
• Decide what kind of contact you want in the future
• Receive counseling, pregnancy support, and legal guidance

Safe Delivery is an urgent surrender option, while adoption planning is a process that supports you before birth and after placement.

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy or have just given birth and feel unable to care for your baby, know that there are compassionate professionals ready to help you understand your options – whether that’s Safe Delivery or creating an adoption plan that fits your hopes and needs.

You are not alone. Help is available 24/7. Reach out to us at Adoption Partners of Michigan with questions at any time.