Pennsylvania

Overview of Pennsylvania law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Law

• Title 23 PA CSA Domestic Relations, 6504.3
• The state has developed no regulations for the use of baby boxes, but at least two hospitals have designated areas where a baby may be left anonymously.

Legislation

2024

• SB257: carried-over to 2024.

2023

• SB257: Amends Pennsylvania State Haven law to include Urgent Care centers to traditional SH drop-off points; amends law to include under-staffed or unstaffed Urgent Care Centers to install baby boxes f 911 call system is in place. Pending.

2018

• PN2802  Authorizes a hospital, police station, or other entity employing or otherwise providing access to an emergency services provider to provide voluntarily an incubator for the care of a newborn.  Signed by Governor:  December 22, 2017. Effective date: December 22, 2017. 

Hearings/Testimony/Letters

None to date.

News & Commentary

2024

• Penn Highlands State College Hospital Nears Opening, StateCollege.com, June 6, 2024
• “Safe haven” for newborns installed at Penn Highlands State College, WTAJ-TV, June 28, 2024
• Council approves agenda items, discusses baby ybox placement, Corry Journal, Jul 18, 24
• Chambersburg Borough Council meets tonight, Tri-State Alert, July 22, 2024

2023

• Safe Haven Baby Box unveiled in Lancaster General Hospital. Lancaster online,l January 4, 2023
• Senate passes Brooks’ bill to improve newborn safety, Meadville Tribune, April 26, 2023
• Pastor Gernovich looks to install baby box, Corry Journal, November 17, 2023

2021

What’s Up with Pennsylvania? No Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Daily Bastardette, June 22, 2021

Updated July 22, 2024