Michigan Senate Bill SB0627

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/1/23
• Refer: 11/1/23

Caption

Children: protection; safe delivery of newborns law; modify definition of newborn and allow surrender to a newborn safety device. Amends secs. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 17 & 20, ch. XII of 1939 PA 288 (MCL 712.1 et seq.) & adds sec. 3a to ch. XII.

Impact

This legislation aims to improve the outcomes for infants in potentially risky situations by giving parents a legally protected means of surrendering their newborns. It sets clear guidelines regarding the responsibilities of emergency service providers to protect the health and safety of the surrendered newborns. The bill also mandates procedures for the courts in cases where parental rights may need to be terminated after surrender, establishing a stricter timeframe for actions to be taken regarding custody and adoption.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 627, also known as the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law, amends existing statutes in Michigan's Probate Code to facilitate and regulate the safe surrender of newborns. The bill allows parents to voluntarily deliver their newborns to licensed emergency service providers, including hospitals and police stations, ensuring the child's safety and the parent's anonymity. It defines the procedure for surrendering a newborn, establishes the role of emergency service providers, and outlines the immediate actions required to ensure the newborn's well-being.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB0627 highlights the balance between protecting vulnerable newborns and ensuring the rights of parents who may wish to regain custody. Although the bill provides a clear framework, concerns have been raised about the 28-day timeframe within which a surrendering parent can petition for custody. Critics worry this may not afford sufficient time for parents to make well-informed decisions regarding their newborn's future amidst emotional and crisis-laden circumstances.