Cornhusker State News

A baby was safely surrendered in northwest Nebraska under the state's expanded safe haven law, according to a statement released by Governor Jim Pillen. The governor highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable infants and mothers in need.

“We’ve got to do everything we can to protect babies, and we have to step up to help moms in need. We took action and expanded Nebraska’s safe haven law to help babies that are vulnerable and ensure their safety. It’s not just that Nebraskans are pro-life, we’re pro-baby — which means being here to help babies and moms who are in tough situations,” said Pillen.

The expansion of Nebraska's safe haven law, signed by Governor Pillen in 2024, increased the age limit for surrendering a baby from 30 days to 90 days. The law allows an infant to be left with employees at hospitals licensed by the state, staffed fire stations, staffed law enforcement agencies, or emergency care providers. Individuals who surrender a baby under this law are protected from prosecution for any crime based solely on the act of surrendering the child.

Earlier this year, another infant was surrendered under the new provisions in northeast Nebraska. The recent case marks continued use of the expanded legal protections intended to ensure infant safety across the state.