Safe Haven Baby Boxes
{{Short description|American non-profit organization}}
{{Infobox organization
|name = Safe Haven Baby Boxes
|formation = 2015
|type = Nonprofit organization
|purpose = Humanitarianism
|headquarters = Woodburn, Indiana
|region_served = Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Arizona
|leader_title = Founder
|leader_name = Monica Kelsey
|website = [https://shbb.org/ www.shbb.org]
}}
Safe Haven Baby Boxes (SHBB) is a non-profit organization that provides a safe and legal alternative to abandoning newborn babies. This organization, founded by Monica Kelsey in 2015, installs specialized baby boxes at designated secure locations where parents can safely surrender their newborns, ensuring their well-being and reducing the risk of harm or abandonment.
History and background
SHBB was founded in 2015 by Monica Kelsey,"{{cite web|url = https://www.wbiw.com/2023/04/17/baby-surrendered-in-safe-haven-baby-box-at-monroe-fire-protection-district-fire-station/#:~:text=Safe%20Haven%20Baby%20Boxes%20is,was%20abandoned%20as%20an%20infant|title = Baby Surrendered in Safe Haven Baby Box at Monroe Fire Protection District Fire Station|website = WBIW.com|accessdate = July 8, 2023|archive-date = July 8, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230708194137/https://www.wbiw.com/2023/04/17/baby-surrendered-in-safe-haven-baby-box-at-monroe-fire-protection-district-fire-station/#:~:text=Safe%20Haven%20Baby%20Boxes%20is,was%20abandoned%20as%20an%20infant|url-status = live}} a firefighter{{cite web|url = https://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-heroes/articles/firefighter-who-created-safe-haven-baby-box-meets-first-baby-surrendered-JcuoZ83ecaDuuJjp/|title = Firefighter Who Created Safe Haven Baby Box Meets First Baby Surrendered|last = Wright|first = Lincoln|website = Fire Rescue 1| date=31 December 2017 |accessdate = July 8, 2023|archive-date = July 9, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230709012100/https://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-heroes/articles/firefighter-who-created-safe-haven-baby-box-meets-first-baby-surrendered-JcuoZ83ecaDuuJjp/|url-status = live}} and medic{{cite web|url = https://www.jems.com/news/fl-fight-over-baby-boxes-part-of-bigger-culture-war/|title = Associated Press|last=Spencer|first=Terry|website = JEMS|accessdate = July 8, 2023}} from Indiana, United States.{{cite web|url = https://www.monicakelsey.com/|title = Monica Kelsey|website = Monica Kelsey|accessdate = July 8, 2023|archive-date = July 9, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230709012104/https://monicakelsey.com/|url-status = live}} The idea for the organization came about after Kelsey discovered that she was abandoned as an infant. She developed the baby box concept to prevent similar situations and protect the lives of vulnerable infants.{{cite web|url = https://www.npr.org/2023/01/06/1147160688/baby-box-newborn-surrendered-florida#:~:text=Kelsey%2C%20who%20says%20she%20was,first%20surrendered%20newborn%20in%202017|title = A Newborn was Surrendered to Florida's Only Safe Haven Baby Box. Here's How They Work|last = Heyward|first = Giulia|website = NPR|accessdate = July 9, 2023|archive-date = July 9, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230709192152/https://www.npr.org/2023/01/06/1147160688/baby-box-newborn-surrendered-florida#:~:text=Kelsey%2C%20who%20says%20she%20was,first%20surrendered%20newborn%20in%202017|url-status = live}} SHBB launched the first baby box in the US in 2016 and received its first surrendered newborn in 2017.
Purpose and function
The primary purpose of SHBB is to provide a safe and anonymous way for parents to surrender their newborns, prevent infant abandonment, and ensure the well-being of these infants.{{cite web|url = https://shbb.org/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Safe%20Haven,designated%20fire%20station%20or%20hospital|title = What is a Safe Haven Baby Box?|website = Safe Haven Baby Boxes|accessdate = July 9, 2023|archive-date = July 10, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230710004053/https://shbb.org/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Safe%20Haven,designated%20fire%20station%20or%20hospital|url-status = live}} The organization achieves this by installing baby boxes, also known as newborn safety incubators, at designated locations such as fire stations, hospitals, and other safe havens that are staffed 24/7.{{cite web|url = https://www.wkyt.com/2023/02/27/future-safe-haven-baby-boxes-kentucky/|title = Future of Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Kentucky|last = Sandor|first = Julia|website = WKYT| date=27 February 2023 |accessdate = July 9, 2023|archive-date = July 10, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230710011655/https://www.wkyt.com/2023/02/27/future-safe-haven-baby-boxes-kentucky/|url-status = live}}
A baby box is a climate-controlled and electronically-monitored device built into a wall.{{cite web|url = https://news.yahoo.com/okc-fire-department-installs-safe-153555606.html|title = OKC Fire Department Installs Safe Haven Baby Box|publisher = The Oklahoman|last = Dulaney|first = Josh|website = Yahoo News| date=5 July 2023 |accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 10, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230710070027/https://news.yahoo.com/okc-fire-department-installs-safe-153555606.html|url-status = live}} The box's interior resembles a bassinet, and it is designed to be easily accessible outside while keeping the baby secure inside.{{cite web|url = https://www.brownsburg.org/431/Safe-Haven-Baby-Boxes|title = Safe Haven Baby Boxes|website = Brownsburg Fire Territory|accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 10, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230710233515/https://www.brownsburg.org/431/Safe-Haven-Baby-Boxes|url-status = live}} When a parent places a newborn in the baby box, it triggers an alarm that alerts the staff inside the haven location. Another sensor goes off once the baby is placed inside. The person surrendering the baby can push a button or close the door, which triggers a third alarm. The baby receives immediate medical attention once retrieved from the box. They are then placed in the care of child protective services. The newborn is attended to within five minutes.{{cite web|url = https://www.knoe.com/2023/05/12/infant-less-than-24-hours-old-surrendered-safe-haven-baby-box/|title = Infant Less than 24 Hours Old Surrendered to Safe Haven Baby Box|last = Worley|first = Debra|website = Know 8 News| date=12 May 2023 |accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711004739/https://www.knoe.com/2023/05/12/infant-less-than-24-hours-old-surrendered-safe-haven-baby-box/|url-status = live}}
Legal and ethical considerations
SHBB operates within the confines of the legal framework provided by each jurisdiction.{{cite web|url = http://www.iabb.info/english/america/|title = Safe Haven Baby Box|website = International Association of Baby Boxes|accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711004747/http://www.iabb.info/english/america/|url-status = live}} In many countries, including the United States, laws commonly known as Safe Haven laws or Baby Safe Haven laws exist.{{cite web|url = https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1008&context=wmjowl|title = Kairos and Safe Havens: The Timing and Calamity of Unwanted Birth|last = Ayres|first = Susan|website = William and Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice|accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711012540/https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1008&context=wmjowl|url-status = live}} These laws typically designate specific locations, such as hospitals or fire stations, where a parent can relinquish custody of a newborn without fear of legal repercussions, as long as the baby is unharmed.{{cite web|url = https://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-safe-haven-fire-department-provides-option-parents-newborn-care-discreet-enclosure-infant-babies-chance-life-bright-future-laws-surrender-retrievel-suitable-home|title = Safe Haven Baby Box to be Installed in Southeast Oklahoma City|last = Severin|first = Kevin|website = Fox 25| date=3 July 2023 |accessdate = July 10, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711012541/https://okcfox.com/news/local/oklahoma-city-safe-haven-fire-department-provides-option-parents-newborn-care-discreet-enclosure-infant-babies-chance-life-bright-future-laws-surrender-retrievel-suitable-home|url-status = live}}
The organization collaborates with local authorities, healthcare professionals, and child protective services to ensure surrendered infants receive appropriate medical care and are placed in safe and loving homes through the established adoption or foster care processes.
Impact and expansion
Since its inception, SHBB has promoted infant safety and prevented child abandonment.{{cite web|url = https://www.fox13news.com/news/newborn-surrendered-at-florida-fire-station-is-first-baby-saved-by-states-only-baby-box|title = Newborn Surrendered at Florida Fire Station is First Baby Saved by State's Only "Baby Box"|last = Akbari|first = Cherine|website = Fox 13| date=10 January 2023 |accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711074005/https://www.fox13news.com/news/newborn-surrendered-at-florida-fire-station-is-first-baby-saved-by-states-only-baby-box|url-status = live}} The organization has installed baby boxes at various locations across the United States, expanding its reach. It offers a 24-hour hotline for mothers in crisis, allowing parents to speak to a licensed counselor about their situation.{{cite web|url = https://handsofhopepaulding.org/options/safe-haven-baby-box/|title = Safe Haven Baby Box|website = Hands of Hope Pregnancy Services|accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711123918/https://handsofhopepaulding.org/options/safe-haven-baby-box/|url-status = live}} It also helps them find haven locations. The visibility and accessibility of baby boxes have increased public awareness about safe surrender options and encouraged conversations about supporting struggling parents.{{cite web|url = https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2022/06/23/safe-haven-baby-boxes-on-the-rise|title = Safe Haven Baby Boxes on the Rise|last = Kapusta|first = Katie|website = Spectrum News 1|accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = July 11, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230711133628/https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2022/06/23/safe-haven-baby-boxes-on-the-rise|url-status = live}} The boxes are a last-resort option for parents in crisis. Parents who call the hotline are encouraged to surrender the infant face-to-face for their rights and health.
SHBB continues to advocate for implementing Safe Haven laws in states where they are not yet in place and for expanding existing laws to ensure the safety and well-being of newborns nationwide.{{cite web|url = https://lozierinstitute.org/safe-haven-laws-an-invitation-to-life/|title = Safe Haven Laws: An Invitation to Life|last = Howard|first = Hannah|website = Charlotte Lozier Institute| date=December 2021 |accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = July 12, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230712002336/https://lozierinstitute.org/safe-haven-laws-an-invitation-to-life/|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url = https://www.wlox.com/2023/03/28/safe-haven-baby-box-advocates-hoping-bring-boxes-across-mississippi/|title = Safe Haven Baby Box Advocates Hoping to Bring Boxes Across Mississippi|last = Rivers|first = Ja'Colbi|website = WLOX| date=28 March 2023 |accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = June 5, 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240605002005/https://www.wlox.com/2023/03/28/safe-haven-baby-box-advocates-hoping-bring-boxes-across-mississippi/|url-status = live}} There are currently 142 baby boxes installed at safe havens in eleven states across the US.{{cite web|url = https://www.tpr.org/news/2023-05-23/san-antonio-awaits-approval-of-bill-for-safe-haven-infant-drop-off-boxes|title = San Antonio Awaits Approval of Bill for Safe Haven Infant Drop Off Boxes|last = Hernandez|first = Sarah|website = Texas Public Radio| date=23 May 2023 |accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = 2023-07-12|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230712012800/https://www.tpr.org/news/2023-05-23/san-antonio-awaits-approval-of-bill-for-safe-haven-infant-drop-off-boxes|url-status = live}} Boxes can be found in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Florida, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The organization actively collaborates with legislators, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to raise awareness and provide education about the importance of safe surrender options.{{cite web|url = https://www.newsandtribune.com/across_indiana/lawmakers-looking-to-expand-safe-haven-baby-box-services/article_06a41dba-85e2-11eb-9d9e-93ad8ce96f5f.html|title = Lawmakers Looking to Expand Safe Haven Baby Box Services|last = Puga Mendoza|first = Carolina|website = News and Tribune| date=15 March 2021 |accessdate = July 11, 2023|archive-date = July 12, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230712030942/https://www.newsandtribune.com/across_indiana/lawmakers-looking-to-expand-safe-haven-baby-box-services/article_06a41dba-85e2-11eb-9d9e-93ad8ce96f5f.html|url-status = live}}
Criticisms
Safe havens for babies have existed for centuries. In Europe, convents and other places of worship would set up rotating cribs where parents could leave their babies. These cribs were known as foundling wheels. Critics say the practice allows people to surrender children without the parent's consent.{{cite web|url = https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/11/26/165942545/u-n-committee-calls-for-an-end-to-centuries-old-practice-of-baby-boxes|title = U.N. Committee Calls for an End to Centuries-Old Practice of Baby Boxes|last = Jones|first = Sophia|publisher = NPR|website = The Two Way|accessdate = July 12, 2023|archive-date = July 12, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230712095137/https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2012/11/26/165942545/u-n-committee-calls-for-an-end-to-centuries-old-practice-of-baby-boxes|url-status = live}}
In a meeting in November 2012, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child decided that haven boxes only encourage parents to give away babies. They argued that male relatives or pimps could abandon the children against the mother's wishes. That committee is now advocating for a complete ban on the practice.
A spokesman for a similar but rival charity named "A Safe Haven for Newborns," has argued that the baby boxes don't meet public building safety standards.{{cite web|url = https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/politics-issues/2023-04-11/florida-fight-baby-boxes-culture-war|title = A Florida Fight Over 'Baby Boxes' is Part of a Bigger Culture War|publisher = Associated Press|website = WUSF Public Media|accessdate = July 12, 2023|archive-date = 2023-07-12|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230712102557/https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/politics-issues/2023-04-11/florida-fight-baby-boxes-culture-war|url-status = live}} They can also allow someone who kidnapped or trafficked a child to escape detection. Parents who have neglected or abused a newborn could also get away with it. Additionally, the boxes give terrorists a spot to place a bomb or toxic substance, endangering hospital workers and firefighters.
See also
References
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