April 3 is “Safe Place for Newborns Day” in Wisconsin

Gov. Tony Evers has officially proclaimed April 3, 2026, as Safe Place for Newborns Day in recognition of the 25th anniversary of Wisconsin's Safe Haven Law; a milestone that underscores the state's ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable infants and supporting parents in crisis.

This recognition is especially significant as Wisconsin recently updated the Safe Haven law through bipartisan legislation, now known as 2025 Wisconsin Act 94, extending the safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days. The expansion is expected to save more lives by giving parents additional time to make safe, supported decisions.

About Safe Place for Newborns
Ascension Wisconsin houses and supports Safe Place for Newborns to educate professionals and communities throughout Wisconsin about the Safe Haven Law and infant relinquishment. Since 2001, more than 400 infants in Wisconsin have been safely surrendered and placed directly with pre-adoptive families, avoiding unsafe abandonment and ensuring immediate care.

"Wisconsin is unique because it allows mothers to safely deliver and surrender their newborn at the same hospital, an option not available in many other states," said Tricia Burkett, State Coordinator for Safe Place for Newborns. "This distinction is critical. In Wisconsin, the law supports both mother and baby by encouraging safe, medically supervised deliveries while also providing a compassionate, judgment-free option for surrender."

Why this matters
The newly expanded 30-day window provides a critical safeguard for parents experiencing crisis beyond the immediate postpartum period.

• Safe Haven laws are proven, life-saving interventions that reduce infant abandonment.
• The proclamation elevates awareness of a confidential, compassionate option that many still don't know exists.

Ascension Wisconsin and Safe Place for Newborns emphasize the importance of prenatal care and open conversations with providers, even for women who may not intend to parent. The goal is to ensure both mother and child receive appropriate care, reduce stigma and empower women to make safe decisions, knowing they can place their baby in caring hands without fear, shame, or penalty.

Ascension Wisconsin remains committed to ensuring there is always a safe place for both mother and baby. Safe Place for Newborns is made possible through support from the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation, donors and grant funding. For those who would like to support this life-saving program, they may do so here.