The Georgia Board of Human Services has approved a rule change providing for the development and posting of signs indicating a medical facility or other authorized location is a designated “safe place” for a mother to leave her unwanted newborn.
The rule takes effect Nov. 1.
The signage is related to Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns law, which allows a mother to leave her newborn (within 30 days of birth) at a medical facility, fire station or police station in the state.
The law specifying the requirements for creating and placing the signage was signed by Gov. Nathan Deal as part of House Bill 513 (HB 513). The law that specifies the requirements for the signs in Georgia is referenced in the Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.)19-10A-8.
For more information on the rule change or to view the sign, go to https://dhs.georgia.gov/safe-place-newborns-signs.