Alabama Safe Haven Baby Box installed in May sees first infant surrender

Montgomery Fire/Rescue in Alabama has announced its first infant surrender in a Safe Haven Baby Box.

Key Takeaways:

• An infant was safely surrendered at a Safe Haven Baby Box in Montgomery, Alabama, in August.

• The surrender is the first time the baby box was used since its installation three months ago.

The Details:

According to a Facebook post by Montgomery Fire/Rescue, an infant was safely surrendered last month in a Safe Haven Baby Box, just three months after the box's installation. The box is located at Fire Station 10 on South Court Street in Montgomery.

"Montgomery Fire Rescue is humbled to share that our Safe Haven Baby Box has already been used to protect a life," the organization stated.

"Last month, a newborn was safely and anonymously surrendered at our Baby Box, which was installed less than three months ago [in May]. We are deeply grateful to the courageous mother who, in a time of crisis, made the difficult decision to seek help and ensure her child’s safety. While her identity will remain completely anonymous, her decision represents love, bravery, and hope."

In its post, Montgomery Fire/Rescue also affirmed the right to life for all children.

"Montgomery joins communities across Alabama and the nation in affirming that every child deserves a chance at life, and every parent deserves access to support and dignity," it stated.

That sentiment was echoed by the city's mayor, Steven Reed.

“This Safe Haven Baby Box reflects Montgomery’s commitment to compassion, dignity, and the safety of our children,” Reed said. “Every child deserves a chance at life, and every parent deserves access to resources that protect them during their most difficult moments. This is about ensuring no child is left without care, and no parent is left without hope.”

How It Works:

The Safe Haven Baby Box organization installs temperature-controlled boxes in fire stations, hospitals, or other similar facilities, in accordance with each state's particular safe haven law.

When an infant is placed inside the secure box, a silent alarm is triggered, alerting authorities to the presence of a baby in need. First responders tend to the baby within minutes, and the child is later placed either with a foster or adoptive family, depending on state law. The boxes allow an option for parents who feel unable to care for their child to safely and legally leave the baby with authorities who will provide proper care.

In 2023, Alabama lawmakers changed its law regarding safe haven surrenders, allowing parents to surrender their child up to 45 days after birth, up from a previous threshold of just 72 hours. The new law also allowed the installation of baby boxes to facilitate anonymous surrender.

According to WFSA, four infants have been surrendered under the state's updated law.