What does the 'safe haven exception' allow for infants abandoned at MSP facilities?

The 'safe haven exception' specifically allows for the voluntary abandonment of infants that are 7 days old or younger by their parents at designated locations, which include Massachusetts State Police facilities. This provision is designed to protect infants who might otherwise be left in unsafe situations. The law allows parents to safely and anonymously surrender their newborns without fear of legal repercussions, thereby prioritizing the health and safety of the child.

This practice recognizes the need for a safe option for individuals who may feel unable to care for their newborns and provides a compassionate alternative that ensures the child is taken into protective custody and cared for properly. The emphasis on the age limit is crucial, as it underscores the specific intent of the law to provide a safe option for very young infants, which has been shown to help minimize the risk of harm to those children.