Alabama Welcomes 7th Safe Haven Baby Box in Jasper: Ensuring Anonymous, Secure Infant Surrender
@ReadWhatRickWrote 
In a significant step towards providing secure options for infant surrender, Alabama has introduced its seventh Safe Haven Baby Box in Jasper. This addition, announced by state Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding the lives of vulnerable infants.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes offer a secure and anonymous way for parents to surrender their infants, providing an alternative to abandoning them in unsafe conditions. The newest box, situated at Fire Station No. 1 on 18th Street East in Jasper, is designed to be a lifesaving option for parents in crisis.
"Alabama deeply values the sanctity and preciousness of life," stated Reed, a Republican from Jasper. "Our culture of life, rooted in the belief that all children are gifts from God deserving of love and protection, is further strengthened by this new baby box. It offers a compassionate choice for parents facing the difficult decision to surrender a child. In Alabama, every life matters, and I extend my gratitude to everyone who made this possible for our community and state."
The state's first Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in Madison in January, followed by locations in Prattville, Dothan, Gadsden, Ozark, and Tuscaloosa. The Madison box has already seen three infants safely surrendered as of May 20.
Nationally, 251 Safe Haven Baby Boxes have been established. These boxes were developed by Monica Kelsey, a retired firefighter and medic from Woodburn, Indiana, who was herself abandoned as an infant. Installed in the exterior walls of fire stations, the boxes feature a climate-controlled bassinet and lock from the outside once closed, triggering an alarm to alert firefighters.
The Alabama Legislature authorized the use of these boxes last year through a bill by Rep. Donna Givens, R-Loxley, building on a 2000 law that allowed infant surrender at hospitals. The Kids to Love Foundation, based in Madison, supported the bill's passage and helped fund some of the initial boxes.
Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, expressed his gratitude for the new box, saying, "I am beyond grateful to have this life-saving device available in our community. I was proud to support the grant application alongside Senator Reed, and I thank the City of Jasper, Jasper Fire and Rescue, and Chase and Jordanna Gunter for their efforts in making this project a reality."
Since 2017, 50 infants have been safely surrendered through Baby Boxes, and the National Safe Haven Crisis line has facilitated over 150 handoff surrenders, according to Reed’s office. Despite some criticism from those advocating for improved prenatal and postnatal care and mental health services for pregnant women, the Safe Haven Baby Boxes continue to provide a critical option for parents in need.
