Overturning Of Roe v. Wade Brings Attention To Safe Haven Laws

The Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade has brought new attention to safe haven laws across America. Those laws allow, in some cases, anyone to drop a newborn off a place like a fire station without the fear of prosecution.

Under Oklahoma law, a parent would not be prosecuted for child abandonment or child neglect. The law only applies to kids seven days of age or younger when the child is turned over to a medical services provider or a child rescuer. 

Safe haven locations include places like hospitals, other medical facilities and child protective service agencies. Police and fire stations are also on the list. 

Benny Fulkerson with the Oklahoma City Fire Department said older children also have a safe place to go too if they ever need help. 

"What the firefighters are trained to do is make the child feel comfortable, and sit the child down a spot where they can wait for help to arrive," Fulkerson said. "We will take action to make sure the proper authorities are contacted.”