Is it considered a crime to leave a newborn infant at a hospital without the intent to return?

Leaving a newborn infant at a hospital without the intent to return is not considered a crime in many jurisdictions due to safe haven laws. These laws were enacted to provide a safe option for parents who may feel unable to care for their newborns. Most states allow for the surrender of infants to designated safe locations, such as hospitals, without facing criminal penalties, so long as the baby is unharmed and the surrender follows the legal protocols established by the state.

The safety and well-being of the child are prioritized in these laws, recognizing that abandonment is often an act driven by extreme circumstances rather than malice. The intention behind these laws is to reduce the risk of harm to newborns and provide a caring environment for them. Therefore, leaving a newborn at a hospital, when done in accordance with the safe haven laws, is generally considered not a crime, which supports the reasoning behind the selection of this answer.