South Carolina reaches new record number of infants surrendered under Daniel’s Law

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Officials at HCA Healthcare Summerville Hospital in Dorchester County accepted an infant safely surrendered on Oct. 3, marking a record number of babies surrendered this year.

Daniel’s Law allows parents to safely surrender newborn babies up to two months old. A staff member must accept a child at a designated safe haven, including hospitals and police stations, in order for the law to apply.

The recent infant surrendered marks 11 infants so far in 2026.

Since 2019, 87 babies have been surrendered to the custody of the Department of Social Services.

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