A newborn's body was discovered in a “safe haven” box at Grove Creek Medical Center, leading to an investigation. Police responded to Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot, eastern Idaho, where staff had found a deceased baby girl in the state's Safe Haven box on October 28, as reported by KTVB7.
Safe Haven boxes are intended for parents or guardians to anonymously and safely surrender unharmed infants. However, upon removing the infant from the box, Grove Creek staff quickly determined the baby had passed away long before being placed there, according to a statement posted by Grove Creek Medical Center on social media on Wednesday. The post stated:
"We’re incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation. Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we’re so proud of the way they honor every life they touch."
Safe Haven Baby Boxes also has an official account on Facebook where they released an official statement about the deceased infant. Monica Kelsey, the founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that anonymity is only permitted when a baby is safely surrendered without any harm.
She reiterated the organization's commitment to cooperating with the investigation and educating the public about the differences between legal surrender and illegal abandonment.
The post also said that the organization aims to prevent infant abandonment and has successfully facilitated the safe surrender of 52 babies since 2017, all of whom were adopted into loving families.
What are Safe Haven boxes?
Parents can discreetly leave a newborn they are unable to care for in safe haven baby boxes, which are safe, climate-controlled spaces found in hospitals, fire stations, and other secure locations. The box locks from the outside once a baby is inside, and a quiet alarm signals staff to come and tend to the infant right away.
As long as the infant is undamaged and left within a specific window of time after birth, safe haven laws—which include these boxes—permit parents to legally and securely give up their newborns without being charged. Preventing hazardous abandonment and giving needy parents a safe alternative are the objectives of this initiative.
The Twin Falls Police Department announced that authorities in both Blackfoot and Twin Falls are currently conducting investigations into the deceased infant incident. At this time, neither the Twin Falls County Prosecutor’s Office nor the Bingham County Prosecutor’s Office has responded to media inquies.
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"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and community affected by this loss. The health and safety of our community’s children remain our top priority,"
Said the police authorities in a general statement.
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