Second infant surrendered at Safe Haven Baby Box in Montgomery, Alabama

Officials in Montgomery, Alabama, have announced the successful surrender of an infant via the state's Safe Haven Surrender Act. The surrender occurred at the Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 10, marking the second time the box has been utilized since its installation in May.

Key Takeaways:

• A Safe Haven Baby Box in Montgomery, Alabama, was utilized for the second time this year in early December.

• The baby boy appeared to be only hours old and was described as healthy.

The Details:

In a statement, Montgomery Fire/Rescue announced that the safe haven box at Fire Station 10 was used for the second time several weeks ago, noting that they didn't announce the surrender right away in order to ensure privacy for the surrendering parent(s).

"Fire Station 10 personnel responded immediately after the Safe Haven Baby Box alert activated," the release stated. "Inside the temperature‑controlled compartment, firefighters discovered a healthy newborn boy who appeared to be only hours old."

Firefighters initially tended to the child, and Montgomery Police also responded according to protocol. The baby was then transported to Baptist Medical Center South to be evaluated.

"We want to thank the parent(s) for having the courage to ensure their child’s safety by trusting us with him," the release stated. "Choosing this path reflects tremendous love, bravery, and a desire to give this baby a hopeful future."

Zoom In:

Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide an anonymous way for a parent to surrender an infant they feel unable to care for, according to their state's safe haven law. In Alabama, a parent can surrender an infant 45 days old or younger.

The Safe Haven Baby Box is safe, with a temperature-controlled bassinet to keep the baby comfortable. When a child is placed inside, a silent alarm is triggered, and emergency personnel respond within minutes. Typically, the child is placed for adoption after he or she is surrendered.

The Bottom Line:

Montgomery Fire Rescue reaffirmed the importance of safe haven surrenders for parents in crisis.

"Montgomery Fire Rescue remains committed to providing safe, anonymous options for parents in crisis," the department stated. "The Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 10 continues to serve as a vital resource for protecting vulnerable infants and supporting families during moments of overwhelming difficulty."