How long can an infant be legally abandoned to an appropriate person or agency?

The correct answer is that an infant can be legally abandoned to an appropriate person or agency within 7 days. This timeframe is established under North Carolina law, which aims to protect the health and safety of newborns who may be at risk of harm.

The law recognizes the importance of providing a safe alternative for parents who feel they cannot care for their newborn. During this 7-day period, the infant may be left with appropriate personnel at designated agencies, such as hospitals or emergency services, without the parent facing legal repercussions for abandonment.

This legal framework encourages parents to make safe choices for their infants. By providing a specific timeframe, the legislation also aims to ensure that infants can receive necessary care and attention soon after birth, minimizing the potential for harm associated with abandonment. It supports the well-being of the infant while offering parents a means to ensure their child's safety.