The first days after a child is born are some of the most emotional moments a person will ever experience. A mother is recovering physically from childbirth. Sleep is scarce. Emotions run high. Families are adjusting to an entirely new reality in a matter of hours. 

Now imagine being asked to make one of the most permanent decisions of your life during that same window. 

Under current Colorado law, a parent has only 72 hours after birth to voluntarily relinquish a child at a designated safe location. 

But for many mothers, those first 72 hours are a blur. Recovery from childbirth can take weeks. Hormones fluctuate dramatically. Fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion can cloud even the clearest thinking. Three days can pass before a mother has fully processed what has happened, let alone made a life-altering decision about the future of her child. 

That is why I introduced HB26-1024, a simple update to Colorado law that would extend the voluntary relinquishment window from 72 hours to 30 days. 

This change recognizes something deeply human: time brings clarity. 

Thirty days gives a mother the opportunity to heal physically, speak with a doctor or counselor, talk with loved ones, explore available resources, and make a thoughtful decision instead of a rushed one made in the middle of crisis. 

Safe haven laws exist in all 50 states and were originally created to prevent tragic cases of newborn abandonment. 

Since the first law passed in Texas in 1999, thousands of infants have been safely surrendered through these programs rather than being abandoned in unsafe situations. 

However, the amount of time parents are given to make that decision varies widely across the country. In some states, the legal window is only three days, while others allow parents to relinquish a newborn for 30 days or even longer. 

In fact, about 19 states already allow parents up to one month to safely surrender an infant, recognizing that life-altering decisions deserve careful consideration. 

HB26-1024 simply brings Colorado closer in line with that growing national standard. 

Last session, I carried nearly identical legislation. After discussion in the House Health and Human Services Committee, the bill ultimately failed on a 5–8 vote. While disappointing, the conversation surrounding the bill made something clear: people across the political spectrum understand the importance of compassion when families face crisis. 

Encouragingly, this year, after numerous months of working with stakeholders, the bill has passed unanimously through the House Health and Human Services Committee and the House floor. That bipartisan support reflects a growing recognition that this proposal is not controversial. It is simply common sense. 

Importantly, HB26-1024 does not weaken any safeguards currently in place. 

Safe surrender locations remain the same. Child protection procedures remain the same. Parents can still remain anonymous, and the child is immediately placed into the care of professionals who ensure their safety and well-being. 

The only thing this bill changes is the timeline. And in moments of crisis, time matters. 

This legislation is fundamentally pro-women and pro-family. Supporting women means trusting them with time and autonomy. It means recognizing that circumstances, emotions, and understanding can evolve in the days and weeks following birth. 

A 30-day window does not pressure mothers. It respects them. 

Sometimes the most meaningful changes in law are also the simplest ones. Colorado families deserve thoughtful laws that reflect real-life circumstances, not arbitrary deadlines. 

HB26-1024 is a compassionate, common-sense step forward. It protects children, supports mothers, and gives families something invaluable during a moment of crisis. 

Sound, smart, and effective legislation should always be our goal as legislators I prove my commitment to this through legislation such as this. It’s legislation I’m proud to have brought to Colorado.  

State Rep. Rebecca Keltie, R-Colorado Springs, represents District 16 in the Colorado state House. She is a 21-year retired veteran of the U.S. Navy.