Colorado Expands Safe Haven Law To Allow Newborn Surrender Up To 30 Days

Colorado expanded its Safe Haven law to allow parents to surrender newborns up to 30 days after birth, increasing the previous 72-hour window. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and no opposing votes and will take effect in August 2026.

Under the law, a parent may legally surrender a newborn—without risk of criminal prosecution—by handing the child directly to staff at a fire station, hospital, or standalone emergency clinic.

Prior to the change, Colorado was one of six states with a 72-hour surrender window. Twenty-two states allow surrender up to 30 days, placing Colorado’s . . .