Three babies in three months have been surrendered in baby boxes

Three newborns were surrendered recently in Safe Haven Baby Boxes in separate incidents in central U.S. states, under each state's safe haven surrender law. The law exists as an option for parents who feel unwilling or unable to parent their newborn.

Key Takeaways:

• Safe Haven Surrender Boxes were recently utilized in Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas.

• The boxes are a safe, legal option allowing for a parent to anonymously surrender an infant she feels unable to care for, according to the guidelines of each state.

The Details:

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization announced July 13 that three babies have been surrendered over the past several months utilizing boxes in Kentucky, Indiana, and Texas.

Danville, Kentucky

An infant was surrendered in May at the Safe Haven Baby Box located in the Danville Fire Department.

"As firefighters, we're here to help people on their worst days. The fact that a mother trusted us with her newborn is something our department will never forget," Fire Chief Mike McCurdy said. "When the alarm sounded, our crew responded, and within moments, a newborn was safely in our care. That's exactly why the Baby Box is here to provide a safe option, protect life, and offer hope when it's needed most."

Indiana law allows for infant surrenders up to 45 days after birth. According to news reports, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is now working to find an adoptive family for the baby.

Marion, Indiana

In June, a mother surrendered her baby at the baby box location in Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana.

According to a news release, the baby has been placed with the Indiana Department of Child Services as an adoptive family is found.

“We are grateful this mother trusted our program on one of the hardest days of her life to keep her baby safe,” founder Monica Kelsey said. “When communities are prepared for safe surrender, vulnerable members of those communities are protected.”

The Woodlands, Texas

A baby was surrendered in Texas in the month of July at The Woodlands Fire Department Station 6.

“This Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments exactly like this,” Fire Chief Palmer Buck said. “Today, a baby is safe because someone chose a secure and legal option during what was undoubtedly a difficult situation. We are grateful the system worked as intended and that the baby is now receiving the care they need.”

How It Works:

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization has installed newborn safety devices, dubbed 'baby boxes,' in fire stations, emergency medical services buildings, and hospitals around the country. The boxes are climate controlled and activated with a silent alarm; when the child is placed in the box, the door automatically locks, protecting the baby, while the alarm alerts emergency responders. The child is rescued within minutes.

The aim of the program is to prevent infant abandonments, which continue to be a prevalent problem.

Monica Kelsey, founder of the Safe Haven Baby Box organization, has said that anonymous surrender is a key feature of the boxes' design.

“Once you give women a safe, legal, anonymous and loving option — they will use it,” Kelsey said. “We have all seen the stories of these babies being abandoned in this country...If they do use the safe haven baby box, it offers no shame, no blame, and no names."

The Bottom Line:

In addition to the Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the organization runs a national hotline to help parents in need. That hotline is available 24/7, can be reached at (1-866-99BABY1) or online at www.shbb.org.