Sec. 20.

The department of community health in conjunction with the department shall establish a safe delivery program. The safe delivery program shall include, but is not limited to, both of the following:

(a) A toll-free, 24-hour telephone line. The information provided with this telephone line shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(i) Information on prenatal care and the delivery of a newborn.

(ii) Names of health agencies that can assist in obtaining services and supports that provide for the pregnancy-related health of the mother and the health of the baby.

(iii) Information on adoption options and the name and telephone number of a child placing agency that can assist a parent or expecting parent in obtaining adoption services.

(iv) Information that, in order to safely provide for the health of the mother and her newborn, the best place for the delivery of a child is in a hospital, hospital-based birthing center, or birthing center that is accredited by the commission for the accreditation of birth centers.

(v) An explanation that, to the extent of the law, prenatal care and delivery services are routinely confidential within the health care system, if requested by the mother.

(vi) Information that a hospital will take into protective custody a newborn that is surrendered as provided for in this chapter and, if needed, provide emergency medical assistance to the mother, the newborn, or both.

(vii) Information regarding legal and procedural requirements related to the voluntary surrender of a child as provided for in this chapter.

(viii) Information regarding the legal consequences for endangering a child, including child protective service investigations and potential criminal penalties.

(ix) Information that surrendering a newborn for adoption as provided in this chapter is an affirmative defense to charges of abandonment as provided in section 135 of the Michigan penal code, 1931 PA 328, MCL 750.135.

(x) Information about resources for counseling and assistance with crisis management.

(b) A pamphlet that provides information to the public concerning the safe delivery program. The department of community health and the department shall jointly publish and distribute the pamphlet. The pamphlet shall prominently display the toll-free telephone number prescribed by subdivision (a).

History: Add. 2000, Act 235, Eff. Jan. 1, 2001 ;-- Am. 2003, Act 245, Imd. Eff. Dec. 29, 2003 Popular Name: Baby AbandonmentPopular Name: Baby Drop Off