Abortion Alternative: Safe Delivery in Michigan
(This is informational and not legal advice. If you're considering these options, please contact a trusted adoption agency or legal counselor in Michigan.)
When a woman decides not to abort but feels unable to parent—due to financial hardship, lack of support, medical reasons, or emotional strain—she may consider legally surrendering her newborn anonymously within 72 hours of birth. In Michigan, this is known as the Safe Delivery or Safe Surrender option, and it provides a dignified, confidential way to place a baby for adoption.
Guaranteed safety and legal protection
Since 2001, Michigan law has allowed a newborn—up to 3 days (72 hours) old—to be surrendered to a uniformed staff member at a hospital, police station, fire station, or by calling 9‑1‑1 without risk of prosecution.
Parents can legally and anonymously walk away—the child is then examined, cared for medically, and placed in temporary custody of a licensed agency for adoption.
Privacy and confidentiality
Under Michigan’s later amendments, the parents’ identity is not recorded: birth certificates list the infant as “Baby Doe” and the birth parent as “Unknown”. No identifying information is required; the parent may answer basic health questions, but it is entirely optional.
Time to reconsider
Once surrendered, the birth parent has 28 days to change their mind and petition the court to regain custody. The non‑surrendering parent (if known or located) also has 28 days. After that, a hearing is held and if no action is taken, parental rights are terminated and the infant is eligible for adoption.
A smooth adoption process
Adoption agencies will match your child with an approved prospective family. You won’t face criminal charges, the baby goes to a safe home, and adoption is handled through established legal and social service systems.
What Makes a Woman Lean Toward Safe Delivery Instead of Abortion or Traditional Adoption?
She has chosen life, not abortion, but can't parent.
She wants to ensure her child lives in a healthy, caring environment.
She values legal certainty and knows surrender under this law is protected and structured.
She appreciates being able to remain completely anonymous, if desired.
She knows she has a window—up to 28 days—to change her mind.
Unlike traditional private adoption, it is faster, requires no prior planning, no upfront interaction, and limits legal entanglements. But if a woman desires an open adoption and wants to choose the parents, private adoption through an agency can still preserve privacy.
If you’re pregnant, do not want to abort—but can't parent—Michigan’s Safe Delivery Law gives you a legal, anonymous, compassionate route to place your newborn for adoption within 72 hours. The law ensures your child receives medical care, placement in a loving home, and all legal protections. You remain safe, anonymous, and have the option to reverse your decision within 28 days.
You are not alone—resources exist to support you in crisis, offering alternatives that protect you and your child’s future. Call or text (248) 471-5858 for confidential, free help.
