Infant Safe Haven Laws- Missouri
Infant's Age
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Statute: § 210.950
No more than 30 days old
Who May Relinquish the Infant
Statute: § 210.950
Biological parent
Person acting on the parent's behalf
Who May Receive the Infant
Statute: § 210.950
Staff of any hospital
Firefighter or emergency medical technician
Law enforcement officer
Statute: § 210.950
Take physical custody and transport child to nearest hospital
Provide medical treatment as needed
Notify the division of family services
Immunity for the Provider
Statute: § 210.950
Yes
Protection for Relinquishing Parent
Statute: § 210.950
For the crimes of child abandonment and endangering the welfare of a child:
A parent shall not be prosecuted if the child is 5 days old or younger
It shall be an affirmative defense if the child is 6 days old, but less than 30 days old
Effect on Parental Rights
Statute: § 210.950
The child shall be made a ward of the court
The parent's delivery of the child shall constitute an implied voluntary relinquishment of parental rights
