© Images Courtesy of A Safe Haven for Newborns
For a mother-to-be in crisis, the most dangerous moment can be the one before she asks for help.
Fear, shame, isolation, and confusion can make a safe option feel out of reach. Infant abandonment crosses lines of age, ethnicity, education, income, and family background. It can happen when a woman feels she has no support, no privacy, and no way forward.
A Safe Haven for Newborns exists to reach her before that crisis becomes a tragedy.
Founded by Nick Silverio in memory of his wife, Gloria, the organization provides confidential, judgment-free help to pregnant women and mothers in crisis. Through its 24/7 multilingual helpline, education, outreach, and partnerships with hospitals and first responders, A Safe Haven for Newborns helps mothers understand that there is a safe, legal alternative to abandoning a newborn.
This isn’t the job for me. This is my life’s mission.
—Nick Silverio
A SAFE OPTION IN A CRITICAL MOMENT
Texas was the first state in the nation to pass a Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law. Under the law, a parent may anonymously surrender an unharmed infant who is 60 days old or younger at a designated emergency infant care location, including a hospital, fire station, or EMS station, without legal repercussions. The baby must be placed directly with a staff member.
The law is simple, but awareness does not always reach the people who need it most. Recent reporting cited at least 18 babies abandoned in Texas in one year, more than double the number from a decade earlier. Legal options only save lives when mothers know they exist before desperation takes over.
A MODEL THAT REACHES MOTHERS FIRST
Florida’s experience shows what sustained awareness can make possible. A Safe Haven for Newborns statistics show one Safe Haven surrender in Florida in 2000, alongside three infants abandoned in unsafe places. By 2024, 30 newborns were safely surrendered, while one was found in an unsafe place. To date, more than 420 newborns have been safely surrendered in Florida, and more than 6,000 girls and women have received help.
For mothers, support can mean someone answers the phone, listens without judgment, explains their options, and helps them make a safe plan. For newborns, it can mean medical attention, protection, and a future in caring arms.
Dr. Andrea Corn, clinical psychologist, says, “Babies aren’t objects. A mother wants to know that she will be safe and her baby will be too.”
SAVING TWO LIVES
A Safe Haven for Newborns’ message to any distressed mother-to-be is clear: you are not alone, you will not be judged, and help is available.
The organization protects the newborn, but it also protects the mother from panic, isolation, and an irreversible decision made in fear. In that way, every safe surrender has the potential to save two lives.
To learn more about A Safe Haven for Newborns and how to help, visit asafehavenfornewborns.com
You can also call the 24/7 confidential National Helpline at 1-844-767-2229.
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Lives are being saved due to the strong Safe Haven alliance and partnerships with hospitals and Fire and EMS stations working to receive a Safe Haven Baby, coupled with protecting the anonymity of the parent(s) as the law allows.