By DONNA SCHAIBLEY
State Representative
Indiana has a strong history of defending the lives of our most vulnerable, and it’s critical we continue this important work.
Part of defending the lives of newborn Hoosiers is encouraging communities to have resources for expectant and new mothers who may find themselves facing difficult decisions. Through our Safe Haven Law and the use of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, we’re saving newborns and giving them an opportunity at life.
Indiana’s Safe Haven Law enables a parent in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender an infant fewer than 30 days old to any hospital emergency room, fire station, police station or Safe Haven Baby Box within the state without fear of prosecution. Baby boxes, which are installed in exterior walls of designated fire and police stations and hospitals are temperature-controlled incubators with a silent alarm system that is triggered when a child is placed inside. First responders are immediately alerted and are able to rescue the baby and provide critical care.
In April, a baby girl and boy were safely surrendered at a Safe Haven Baby Box in Carmel. In both local instances, firefighters responded to the infants within minutes, ensuring the health and safety of these precious babies who will be placed with loving families. Since the first baby box was installed in Indiana, 18 Hoosier infants have been saved and 81 of these life-saving devices have been placed across the state, which is four times as many as all other states combined.
In 2021, I supported a bill helping communities install baby boxes at a volunteer fire station or a facility staffed 24/7 by professional emergency medical service providers. Hamilton County currently has two Safe Haven Baby Boxes – one in Carmel and one in Westfield – and I hope more communities consider installing their own baby box.
The National Safe Haven Baby Boxes Crisis Hotline, which can be reached at 1-866-99BABY1, is an additional resource connecting mothers in crisis to counselors who can help them make the right choice for themselves and their infant. Through this service, more than 100 surrenders have been made across the country.
These devices are proven to work and save lives, and I remain committed to spreading the word about Indiana’s Safe Haven Law and baby boxes. For more information about baby boxes or to donate toward installing one, visit shbb.org.
For expectant women and new mothers needing support in our area, the Hamilton County Pregnancy Center offers a variety of resources and programs. Visit pregnancychoicesindy.com to learn more.
To find other local resources available, you can call the MOMS Helpline at 1-844-624-6667.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.