With the recent legislation in Wisconsin regarding “Baby Boxes” for anonymously delivering newborn infants to anyone, the Safe Haven Baby Box organization told Fox News Digital that there is more work to be done across the United States.
Expanding the Law in Wisconsin
The new law, which was approved in December, extends the previous Safe Haven law in the Badger State, allowing parents to leave an infant under 72 hours old at one of the fire stations, police stations, or hospitals.
Legal Baby Boxes in Wisconsin
Thanks to the legal “Baby Boxes” law in Wisconsin, a person can now deliver these babies anonymously (previously it required face-to-face delivery).
The Organization and Expansion in the U.S.
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. based in Indiana, told Fox News Digital in an interview: “We are currently operating in 14 states.” She anticipated that the first baby boxes would arrive in Wisconsin within a few months.
Legal Baby Boxes in the United States
“Baby Boxes” that are anonymously abandoned are legal in 22 states—a number Kelsey hopes will grow in the near future. (Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. is currently not operating in all states where boxes are legal).
Legal Baby Boxes and Safe Haven Law
“Baby Boxes” are a safety device that is intended for use under the state’s Safe Haven law. The law “legally allows a mother in crisis to safely and anonymously relinquish her baby if she is unable to care for her infant,” according to the organization’s website.
Expanding the Law in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers spoke about the new baby box law in his state, known as Wisconsin Act 79: “Expanding security measures for children throughout Wisconsin is a priority for my administration, and this law provides a solution that protects newborns and infants from harm.”
Support from Pro-Life Wisconsin
In a joint statement with Fox News Digital, Pro-Life Wisconsin said it “supports efforts to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborn infants, which often leads to their tragic deaths, by providing legal and safe ways to deliver infants to the proper authorities,” according to Matt Sandie, the organization’s legislative director.
Legal Baby Boxes and Anonymous Delivery
When someone places an infant in the box, authorities will be alerted after a specified amount of time, allowing the person to avoid attention.
Legal Baby Boxes and Medical Care
A door located on the interior of the box allows medical professionals to access the child and provide medical care.
Anonymous Delivery and Confidentiality
Kelsey stated: “There is 100% confidentiality. If the parent or guardian does not want to face someone, if they don’t want to talk to you, they can place their baby in a monitored Baby Box and walk away knowing that they have just saved their child’s life,” she said. “Their child’s life will continue. Their lives will continue.”
Differences in Laws Across the United States
While every state has some form of “Safe Haven” law allowing for the delivery of infants up to a certain age, the laws vary from state to state.
Federal Law and Streamlining the Process
It has been suggested that there should be a federal law that streamlines the process and makes the complicated and stressful situation easier to understand.
The Story of Monica Kelsey
The campaign to ensure safe delivery of babies is personal for Kelsey, who was abandoned as an infant.
Monica Kelsey’s Meeting with Her Biological Mother
As an adult, Kelsey met her biological mother, describing it as “the best and worst day of my life.” Her biological mother provided a police report from August 1972.
Experience
Kelsey’s Story
The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative is personal for Kelsey, who was abandoned as a newborn.
Challenges Facing Surrendered Children
The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative is personal for Kelsey, who was abandoned as a newborn.
The Future of Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Kelsey stated that she does not have specific goals for Safe Haven Baby Boxes, other than the bigger picture of child safety.
Main Goal of the Organization
The organization primarily aims to raise awareness about the Safe Haven Law.
Available Assistance for Women in Crisis
Women in crisis can call or text the national hotline 24/7 (1-866-99BABY1) for free advice and assistance, according to the group.
Organization Statistics
Safe Haven Baby Boxes has connected over 500 women with pregnancy crisis centers, assisted in 9 adoption referrals, and recorded over 140 legal child surrenders.
A total of 37 children have been surrendered in baby boxes so far, according to the organization.
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Original source of the article: Safe Haven Baby Boxes founder shares her story and hope for the future: “A purpose from God”
Source: https://www.aol.com/founder-safe-haven-baby-boxes-090017134.html
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