In Idaho, the body of a newborn baby girl was discovered in a “safe haven” box at Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot. The baby was already deceased when placed in the box, and medical staff responded quickly but were unable to save her. Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and emphasized that the organization fully cooperates with the investigation into the baby’s death.
Safe haven boxes are meant for parents or caretakers to safely surrender an infant and remain anonymous, but only if the baby is unharmed. The organization aims to end infant abandonment and protect women in crisis by providing safe surrender options. However, the incident in Idaho was classified as an illegal and deadly abandonment, as the baby was found wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached.
Despite previous success stories of infants being lovingly surrendered at safe haven box locations, this particular case highlights the importance of distinguishing between legal surrender and illegal abandonment. Safe Haven Baby Boxes is committed to working with law enforcement to seek justice for violations of Safe Haven Law and any illegal abandonments.
The tragic discovery in Idaho has sparked a renewed focus on educating the public about the distinction between legal and illegal surrender of newborns. The organization continues to advocate for safe surrender options and aims to prevent similar heartbreaking incidents in the future.
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