Illinois DCFS, the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation and Pace Bus have joined forces to launch a new campaign aimed at educating the public about the Newborn Infant Protection Act, commonly referred to as the “Baby Safe Haven Law.”

The Act offers a safe, legal option to unsafe infant abandonment. A mother in crisis can legally and anonymously hand her unharmed newborn, up to 30 days old, to staff at hospitals, emergency medical care facilities, police stations, firehouses, college and university police stations and Illinois State Police district headquarters.

Since its enactment in 2001, 127 babies have been safely relinquished under the law and are now living in loving adoptive families.

“DCFS is pleased to partner with two leading organizations – the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation and Pace – to help new or expectant mothers understand that they are not alone and help is available if they cannot care for their newborns,” said DCFS Acting Director B.J. Walker. “As a community we have a responsibility to provide support to individuals and families in crisis. The more opportunities we have to spread awareness about the law, the better chance we have at saving babies’ lives and providing safe options for their well-being.”

“It is a privilege to partner with Illinois DCFS and Pace to continue to spread awareness about the Safe Haven Law. Pace’s willingness to create space for this awareness campaign and DCFS’s continued support will help reach thousands. If we can reach one expectant mother in crisis through this campaign or if a rider seeing the sign prompts her to tell a friend about the law it will be well worth it,” said Maria Lefkow Sorensen, president of the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation.

“Pace’s priorities are simple – provide safe and reliable service for the communities we serve,” said Pace Board Chairman Richard Kwasneski. “Partnering with other agencies who work towards similar goals of community safety is our pleasure.”

The bus cards will be visible in 760 buses operating across suburban Chicago until December 2019.

—- Pace helps raise awareness of Baby Safe Haven Law —-