Woodlands Taking Action to Help Infants with Safe Haven Baby Box
Recent reports of abandoned infants in Harris County and the Houston area have spurred action in The Woodlands. The community is aiming to be the first in Southeast Texas to install Safe Haven Baby Boxes by next year.
These Baby Boxes provide a safe and anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborn babies under the state’s Safe Haven law, also known as the Baby Moses Law. This law allows babies up to 60 days old to be dropped off at a hospital or fire station without any legal repercussions.
The decision to add these Baby Boxes came after a tragic incident in which an urn with a fetus was discovered in Copper Sage Park. While it was later determined to be a miscarriage and not a crime, it prompted The Woodlands Township Board Director, Dr. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, to take action.
Dr. Sekula-Gibbs stated, “It really lit more of a fire under us. What can we do for mothers in crisis who don’t have options, that’s a better choice or good choice for their newborn?” Since April, several tragedies of abandoned infants have occurred in the area, prompting the need for immediate action.
Considering the recent uptick in abandoned infants, Dr. Sekula-Gibbs highlighted the urgency of the situation. “There was a literal explosion of abandonments in Harris County,” she said. Sadly, the Houston area saw at least six cases of abandoned newborns over the summer, with two of them resulting in fatalities, including one baby discovered in a garbage truck.
Moreover, The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has been closely monitoring such cases. While they acknowledge that six cases of abandonment might not be an alarming number, the proximity and timing of these incidents are cause for concern.
With this in mind, The Woodlands has allocated $22,000 in its budget to lease and install a Safe Haven Baby Box at one of its fire stations. Dr. Sekula-Gibbs remains hopeful, stating that similar cities across the nation have seen success with these boxes.
The goal is to have the baby box installed by the year 2025. More information about the Safe Haven law can be found on the DFPS website. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of all infants in our community.