Breaking Now News: Lubbock Installs First Safe Haven Baby Box in West Texas

In an effort to prevent illegal abandonment of newborn babies, Lubbock has installed the very first Safe Haven Baby Box location on the South Plains, making it only the second location in all of Texas.

In Texas, newborn babies up to 60 days old can be surrendered at hospitals, EMS facilities, and Fire Stations. Since 1999, parents in Texas have been able to surrender their newborn children anonymously. Despite this option, there are still heartbreaking stories of babies being abandoned in dumpsters, restrooms, and other unsafe locations. Leaving a baby outside of a facility could expose the baby to harm due to weather conditions and other circumstances. The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a safe alternative for parents in crisis.

Where is the Safe Haven Baby Box Located in Lubbock?

Fire Station 9, located at 4815 50th Street, is the new home to the Safe Haven Baby Box. The box is installed inside the fire station, ensuring a climate-controlled and secure environment for newborns. Infants placed in the box must be 60 days old or younger.

How Does The Safe Haven Baby Box Work?

When a parent walks up to the box, they can open it and retrieve an orange bag filled with resources. The baby can then be placed inside the box. Once the box is closed with the baby inside, a signal is sent to the fire station and 911. According to a press release, the average time babies spend in the box is 2 minutes. Lubbock is the second location in Texas to install a Safe Haven Baby Box, following the first in Abilene. More locations in Texas are reportedly in the planning stages.

What do you think?

• Do you believe Safe Haven Baby Boxes are an effective solution to prevent infant abandonment?
• Should more states implement Safe Haven Baby Boxes in their communities?
• Are there potential drawbacks or concerns with the Safe Haven Baby Box program?