2016 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes
Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES
Chapter 43 - Offenses Against the Family
Section 4306 - Newborn protection
(a) General rule.--A parent of a newborn shall not be criminally liable for any violation of this title solely for leaving a newborn in the care of a hospital or a police officer at a police station pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65 (relating to newborn protection) providing that the following criteria are met:
(1) The parent expresses, either orally or through conduct, the intent to have the hospital or police officer accept the newborn pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 65.
(2) The newborn is not a victim of child abuse or criminal conduct.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Child abuse." As defined in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6303(b.1) (relating to definitions).
"Newborn." As defined in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6502 (relating to definitions).
"Police department." A public agency of a political subdivision having general police powers and charged with making arrests in connection with the enforcement of criminal or traffic laws.
"Police officer." A full-time or part-time employee assigned to criminal or traffic law enforcement duties of a police department of a county, city, borough, town or township. The term also includes a member of the State Police Force.
"Police station." The station or headquarters of a police department or a Pennsylvania State Police station or headquarters.
(Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1549, No.201, eff. 60 days; July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days)
2014 Amendment. Act 91 amended subsecs. (a) intro. par. and (1) and (b).
2002 Amendment. Act 201 added section 4306.
Cross References. Section 4306 is referred to in section 6503 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).
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