SB 156, An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study The Voluntary Surrender Of Infants

TESTIMONY OF THE CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning SB 156, An Act Establishing A Task Force To Study The Voluntary Surrender Of Infants.  CHA supports the creation of a task force to study this issue.

Connecticut hospitals make our state stronger by delivering nationally recognized, world-class care, supporting jobs and economic growth, and serving communities across Connecticut.  Every day, hospitals improve access, affordability, and health equity — providing care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.  At the same time, hospitals invest in their workforce and local communities, even as they navigate significant financial and federal challenges.

SB 156 creates a task force charged with reviewing the safest and most compassionate means available to surrender an infant during the first 30 days of life.  The creation of a task force with appointed representatives will provide the opportunity to review hospitals’ longstanding, effective policies related to the “warm handoff” process and prompt data-driven discussions on best practices that maintain the highest standards for safety, clinical oversight, and compassionate care.

Since the Connecticut Safe Havens Act for Newborns was enacted in 2000, at least 59 newborns have been safely surrendered at Connecticut hospital emergency departments.¹  Hospital emergency departments provide a proven framework for a “warm handoff,” where licensed clinicians can immediately assess the infant, address urgent medical needs, coordinate with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and, when appropriate, respectfully gather basic medical or social history from the parent that will support ongoing care, placement, and long-term health outcomes.

CHA recognizes that other states have implemented alternative surrender options, including the alarmed and anonymous baby box, and respects the opportunity and desire to explore, through a dedicated task force, best practices and processes to create safe spaces for infants in need of care and placement.

We look forward to a robust discussion on best practices.

Thank you for your consideration of our position.  For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.

¹https://portal.ct.gov/dcf/press-room/press-releases—latest-news/dcf-highlights-baby-safe-havens-day-in-connecticut; https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=24626