Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care

Introduce A “Safe-haven law” for unwanted babies under 3 weeks old

Closed 1,880 signatures

What the petition asks

Babies are abandoned each year in the UK, and can die from cold or exposure before they are discovered. It is illegal to abandon a baby in the UK & desperate women can leave them in unsafe areas. We need a ‘safe-haven law’ as active in all states of the USA.
These babies deserve a right to life. Mothers need a secure area specifically designed to leave unwanted newborns with without fear of prosecution. A place where they will be found safe ie a fire station, police station or hospital and turned over to the appropriate authorities. This would be regularly checked by staff to ensure they are quick at responding in the eventuality of a baby being left there.

Timeline

9 Feb 2021 Petition opened for signatures
9 Aug 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,880
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 9 Feb 2021
Closed 9 Aug 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.