About Minnesota's safe haven law

Under Minnesota's safe haven law, passed in 2000, unharmed newborns up to 7 days old may be left, no questions asked, at a "safe place." Under the law, that includes a hospital, other urgent health care provider or ambulance. Other considerations in such cases are:

• The safe place must not ask about the identity of the mother or the person leaving the newborn or call the police, provided the newborn is unharmed.

• The safe place may ask about the newborn's medical history and offer information about social services. The health care provider must contact social services within 24 hours.

• Although the newborn was not dropped off at a medical facility Wednesday, St. Paul police will not open a criminal investigation, Sgt. Mike Ernster said.