New Safe Haven Baby Boxes Launched in Maine and New Hampshire

Maine and New Hampshire have just introduced the first Safe Haven baby boxes in New England, bringing the nationwide total to 26 states.

Last week, the Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization revealed the two new boxes, which are located in Manchester, New Hampshire, and Rumford, Maine. The boxes are designed to help parents avoid leaving newborns in unsafe situations, potentially saving lives.

These baby boxes, functioning as temperature-controlled incubators, are typically built into the walls of fire stations, police stations, and hospitals. They allow mothers in distress to safely place their newborns inside, giving them time to leave before the door locks and an alarm notifies emergency responders.

Once placed in the box, the baby is promptly taken to the hospital for health checks and usually enters state custody, often leading to immediate adoption.

The initiative began in Indiana nine years ago and has since expanded to at least 425 locations across the U.S. According to the organization, over 70 newborns have been surrendered safely through these baby boxes, and they’ve also assisted about 150 individuals in finding other safe havens.

In Maine, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 12 at the Rumford Fire Department to mark the introduction of the state’s first baby box, funded by a local right-to-life group.

Lori Cloutier, president of the Maine Right to Life Association, expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Rumford Fire Department and emphasized the mission of the baby boxes to provide a safe, judgment-free option in crisis situations.

Meanwhile, in New Hampshire, community leaders celebrated the unveiling of their first Safe Haven Baby Box at the Manchester Central Fire Station on May 13. Katherine Kelly, director of the Penacook Pregnancy Center, which sponsored the project, shared her mixed emotions about the box, acknowledging both the sadness of its necessity and the hope it brings to those in need.

The push for these baby boxes came after a tragic incident last year when a newborn was found deceased in a Manchester pond. The community, mourning the loss, organized a funeral for the baby girl, who was named Baby Grace, and the child’s mother was charged with murder.

For those in need of support, Safe Haven Baby Boxes offers a confidential national hotline, 1-866-99BABY1, which provides counseling and information regarding safe surrender options.