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Peurto Rico Safe Haven Laws

In Peurto Rico, father or mother of a newborn not older than one month may leave their newborn at a child shelter that may be a Commonwealth, municipal, community or religious institution.  Such relinquishment shall not be deemed to be abandonment of a minor.[i]

The relinquishing parent has the right to remain anonymous.  The directors, officials or employees of the child shelter shall not require any information from the mother or father of the newborn unless the newborn shows signs of child abuse or neglect.

Parental authority of such children shall correspond to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  Provisional custody of a relinquished newborn shall vest with the institution that received newborn, until the Department of the Family provides otherwise. [ii]

[i] 33 L.P.R.A. § 4242

[ii] 33 L.P.R.A. § 4242


Inside Peurto Rico Safe Haven Laws