Michigan § 712.1 - Short title of chapter; definitions.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.1 — Short title of chapter; definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 712.1. Short title of chapter; definitions.
(1) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "safe delivery of newborns law".
(2) As used in this chapter:
(a) "Child placing agency" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111.
(b) "Court" means the family division of circuit court.
(c) "Department" means the department of human services.
(d) "DNA identification profile" and "DNA identification profiling" mean those terms as defined in section 1 of the paternity act, 1956 PA 205, MCL 722.711.
(e) "Domestic violence" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1978 PA 389, MCL 400.1501.
(f) "Emergency service provider" means a uniformed or otherwise identified employee or contractor of a fire department, hospital, or police station when that individual is inside the premises and on duty. Emergency service provider also includes a paramedic or an emergency medical technician when either of those individuals is responding to a 9-1-1 emergency call.
(g) "Fire department" means an organized fire department as that term is defined in section 1 of the fire prevention code, 1941 PA 207, MCL 29.1.
(h) "Gross negligence" means conduct so reckless as to demonstrate a substantial lack of concern for whether an injury results.
(i) "Hospital" means a hospital that is licensed under article 17 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.20101 to 333.22260.
(j) "Lawyer-guardian ad litem" means an attorney appointed under section 2 of this chapter. A lawyer-guardian ad litem represents the newborn, and has the powers and duties, as set forth in section 17d of chapter XIIA.
(k) "Newborn" means a child who a physician reasonably believes to be not more than 72 hours old.
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(m) "Preplacement assessment" means an assessment of a prospective adoptive parent as described in section 23f of chapter X.
(n) "Surrender" means to leave a newborn with an emergency service provider without expressing an intent to return for the newborn.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 712.1
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.1 cover?
Section 712.1 ("Short title of chapter; definitions.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 712.1?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 712.1" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 712.1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.