Banner Thunderbird offers a Safe Haven for pregnant women

There may be a variety of reasons why women may not be able to keep or care for their baby.

But Banner Thunderbird Medical Center wants to remind people about an Arizona law allowing people to voluntarily leave an infant with a “Safe Haven Provider.” Non-profit Banner Thunderbird is a Safe Haven Provider.

In addition to the Glendale hospital which has a safe haven drop off drawer, other Safe Haven Providers are: medical staff at any hospital, fire stations and firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, adoption agencies, private welfare agencies and churches that have a sign indicating they are a Safe Haven Provider.

According to the law, you can give your baby to a Safe Haven Provider without fear of being arrested or anyone trying to identify or find you as long as:

• The baby is 3 days old or younger. (72 hours)
• The baby has not been physically harmed; and
• There are no plans to return for the baby at a later time.

“In addition to the Safe Haven Drawer, which sounds an internal signal when a newborn has been dropped off, the woman, her friends or family can hand over the newborn to any medical staff member here at Banner Thunderbird – no questions asked,” said Kimberly Marshall, clinical manager of Banner Thunderbird’s Pediatric Emergency Department and co-founder of Arizona Safe Baby Haven. “There are options available.”

Women are encouraged to call 1-866-707-BABY(2229) or visit www.ArizonaSafeBabyHaven.com. Services are free and confidential.