First baby surrendered in Safe Haven Baby Box in Texas

An infant has been safely surrendered in the Safe Haven Baby Box in Lubbock, Texas, marking the first time such a box has been used for an infant surrender in the state.

Key Takeaways:

• A baby was surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box in Lubbock, Texas, in late December.

• The surrender was the first in the state utilizing a baby box.

• Officials say the infant is healthy, and will next be placed for adoption.

The Details:

Like every state, Texas has had a safe haven law for years, allowing parents who feel unable to care for their infant to surrender the newborn to an appropriate authority with no legal ramifications, provided the child is unharmed and 60 days old or younger. However, it was only in 2023 that lawmakers approved the use of newborn safety devices, often referred to as "baby boxes," for anonymous surrender.

Such a box was used for the first time in late December, with officials announcing on Monday the safe surrender of a baby in a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 9 in Lubbock. The baby box was first installed at the station over two years ago. Officials noted that the baby — whom they have dubbed "Baby Lubbock" — is in good condition.

"The surrender occurred in accordance with Texas Safe Haven laws, which allows a parent in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant,” Lubbock Fire Rescue (LFR) said. “Upon placement in the Baby Box, Lubbock Fire Rescue personnel were immediately alerted and responded within seconds to provide care and ensure the infant was transported for medical evaluation by UMC EMS personnel.”

Officials held a press conference on Monday to announce the surrender, as well as to address the baby's mother, thanking her for her courageous decision.

"For the mother, I don't know your situation or pain, but I do know in your darkest moment, you have the courage and love for your baby to give them an opportunity of life, and we are grateful for that," said Richard Stewart, fire chief of LFR. "We are praying for you, for your recovery, your healing, and peace."

Zoom In:

The Safe Haven Baby Box organization provides the temperature-controlled surrender devices at various fire stations and hospitals throughout the country. When a baby is placed inside the device, a silent alarm is triggered, and first responders tend to the infant within minutes.

Founded by Monica Kelsey, who herself was abandoned as an infant, the organization promotes the devices as a method of curtailing infant abandonments — which are an all-too-common occurrence in Texas.

“This baby wasn’t abandoned. This baby was lovingly, legally, anonymously and safely surrendered into a baby box by a parent that wanted something more for them,” Kelsey noted.

The Bottom Line:

Kelsey also addressed the parent who surrendered, noting that the baby will be next placed for adoption.

"To the parent, thank you," Kelsey said. "Thank you for trusting us. Thank you for trusting the fire department to take it from here. Your baby is safe and your baby is healthy, and the process is working for a forever family to get the call that they've been waiting for many years, probably."