FAQ

Birthmom Questions

In general, what do Safe Haven laws entail?

The legislation varies from state to state but they all have similar elements. If you live an in state that offers affirmative defense and are near a state that offers immunity from criminal prosecution against parents who leave their newborn infants safely in the hands of designated caregivers, as identified by the law, it would be best to go to the state that will give you immunity from criminal prosecution. We believe all states “Safe Haven” laws provide for anonymity, but most at least offer a handout in attempt to obtain minimal information about the infants history such as medical family history, possibly genetic learning disabilities, and how the baby was delivered (via hospital or home birth).

Is baby abandonment illegal?

Baby abandonment is always illegal. However, all states allow a girl or woman to “Safely Surrender” her baby to staff at a hospital, or in the case of CA, you can deliver in a hospital and tell them it is a "Safe Surrender" baby, or call project Cuddle to get our help in finding a family that you choose instead of the baby ending up in "The System". Fire stations and even police stations can be considered Safe Surrender sites in some states. Please note: Each states Safe Surrender Laws vary.

Do pregnant girls and women really call?

How can Project Cuddle help me if I don't want to keep my baby?

Will my family find out about the baby?

What if I'm using drugs while pregnant?

Depending on the state if you've had previous children born drug exposed then there are two options:
1. pick a family ahead of time that's willing to adopt a drug-exposed baby and go through training on how to care for this special little one
2. if you and the baby test positive at birth and don't have a family in place through project cuddle, then the baby will go into social services as a foster child.

What if I don't know who the father is?

Can I safely deliver in a hospital and still use the Safe Surrender Law?

Do you charge the Rescue Families or Birthmoms for working with Project Cuddle?

If I choose adoption does it have to be closed or open?

Can you help if I feel like I have no way of keeping my baby, but want to?

General Questions

What happens after you pick up a baby from the dumpster?

We do go out to pick up children from dumpsters however we're open to meeting you if you're pregnant or just delivered, to help get you to the hospital so you can safely surrender the baby, if you wont call 911, or to help you choose a rescue family to adopt your baby, confidentially. “No baby deserves to be abandoned. Each deserves a safe beginning and healthy happy life.” -Debbe Magnusen

Why is baby abandonment a growing national concern

It's been gong on since baby Moses, it's just that there's more publicity about it. People seem to not consider it a human being but more of an object/problem and can't care for it due to fear of family or an abusive relationship.

How many states of introduced Safe Surrender Laws?

All 50 states now have the SSL. However, every state has their own version. in other words, they could have a 30 day period in which you can surrender the baby, or like in CA you could deliver in a hospital and erase your information from the babies record or you can deliver on your own, which we do not recommend due to high health risk. Check this link for specifics on the laws in your sate.

What are the ages of the girls and women who call?

The average age is 22.5 years old, but we have had girls as you ng as 12 and as old as 27.

What happens when a baby is safe and in the hands of the authorities?

if you choose not to use project cuddle and use the safe surrender law, the baby will go in to foster care, eventually eing moved to a permanet adoptive home, that "the system chooses". We've had girls do this and then contact us having written a letter to the baby, including wrist band number, giving the baby a name and a little background information as to why they mad this decision, giving closure to the mother. -What research exists, regarding baby abandonment in the US? "It is difficult to tell as statistics asre not normally kept but 1 publication by the humane association stated that 22000 babies are abandoned every year.

How can I cuddle babies?

Contrary to our name, we do not provide opportunities for volunteers to hold/cuddle babies. They go directly in to the arms of the waiting Rescue Families or if you become a volunteer and help a girl through a pregnancy, she may allow you to hold this precious little one.

Why does our program work?

We never judge any girl or woman that is pregnant and calls for help. we are here as you decide whether or not to keep the baby and charge nothing for our services. We help getting you medical care, emotional support, assistance in getting a GED if needed, etc. We never ask for money from the Birthmom or the rescue family.

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