Safe Haven law permits mothers to surrender an unharmed baby within two weeks of birth. Which of the following best describes this law's purpose?

• A. A law allowing mothers to surrender an unharmed baby within two weeks of birth.
• B. A law permitting foster care only after stabilization.
• C. A law requiring immediate custody of newborns.
• D. A law requiring mothers to stay with the baby.

Answer: (A)

Safe Haven laws are designed to give a safe, legal option for a parent who cannot care for a newborn. They allow surrender of an unharmed infant at a designated location within a short window after birth, with the goal of protecting the infant’s safety and ensuring custody decisions are handled appropriately. The description that matches this purpose is that the law permits mothers to surrender an unharmed baby within two weeks of birth. The other statements miss the point: they imply foster care only after stabilization, require immediate custody, or require the mother to stay with the baby, none of which reflect the surrender-for-safety aim.