Baby Girl Surrendered at LA Hospital

A mother left her newborn at a Los Angeles hospital under the Safe Surrender program, a county supervisor announced Tuesday.

The infant girl was taken into protective custody on Monday at the hospital and will be placed with a family approved by the county's Department of Children and Family Services, according to Supervisor Don Knabe.

"Thanks to the Safe Surrender program, this baby has a second chance at life and hope for a bright future," Knabe said. "I'm thankful that this mother decided to surrender her baby, rather than put her in a harmful situation. As word spreads about the program, mothers in desperate situations can make the right choice for their babies."

It was the 10th "safe surrender" in Los Angeles County this year and the 99th since the program began more than 11 years ago. A parent or guardian is allowed to surrender an infant that is no more than three days old without repercussions, as long as the baby shows no sign of abuse.