Current:Home > StocksSafe Haven Baby Box used in New Mexico for 1st time as newborn boy dropped off at a fire station-InfoLens
Safe Haven Baby Box used in New Mexico for 1st time as newborn boy dropped off at a fire station
View Date:2024-12-23 14:54:28
HOBBS, N.M. (AP) — It’s called the “Save Haven Baby Box” and city officials in Hobbs credit it with saving the life of a newborn boy.
An anonymous woman surrendered her baby at a Hobbs’ fire station Saturday afternoon, with the box used for the first time in New Mexico.
The climate-controlled incubator sent out an alert that the box had been opened.
Fire Station 1 officials said the baby was immediately taken to a hospital and was deemed healthy.
The child now is in the custody of New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department.
The baby box in Hobbs was dedicated in May, about 1 1/2 years after a teenager in the city made national news for throwing her newborn into a trash bin. She was later sentenced to 16 years in prison.
That case spurred new conversations in New Mexico communities and among legislators about the state’s safe haven law, which allows parents to leave a baby younger than 90 days at a safe location without criminal consequences.
Lawmakers approved a bill last year to expand New Mexico’s safe haven program and provide funds to build one baby box for every county where an infant can be left.
So far, the only other Safe Haven Baby Box in the state is at an Espanola Fire Station. But legislators said the next box will be dedicated in Belen next month with Carlsbad, Roswell and Portales being considered for future sites.
veryGood! (943)
Related
- Georgia public universities and colleges see enrollment rise by 6%
- Tribal police officer among 2 killed, 4 wounded by gunfire at Phoenix-area home
- Jennifer Garner Reacts as Daughter Violet Affleck's College Plans Are Seemingly Revealed
- Video shows anti-Islam activist among those stabbed in Germany knife attack
- Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
- Trump’s attacks on US justice system after guilty verdict could be useful to autocrats like Putin
- Pig organ transplants are 'not going to be easy,' researcher says after latest setback.
- Helicopter crashes in a field in New Hampshire, officials say
- Police capture Tennessee murder suspect accused of faking his own death on scenic highway
- Jennifer Lopez cancels This is Me ... Now tour to spend time with family: I am completely heartsick
Ranking
- Wheel of Fortune Contestant Goes Viral Over His Hilariously Wrong Answer
- Eiza González Defends Jennifer Lopez After Singer Cancels Tour
- Black leaders call out Trump’s criminal justice contradictions as he rails against guilty verdict
- California firefighters battle wind-driven wildfire east of San Francisco
- Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
- Texas Supreme Court rejects challenge brought by 20 women denied abortions, upholds ban
- Northern lights could be visible in the US again tonight: What states should look to the sky
- Three Maryland family members fatally shot, another wounded, suspect takes own life, police say
Recommendation
-
Harriet Tubman posthumously honored as general in Veterans Day ceremony: 'Long overdue'
-
Oregon defendants without a lawyer must be released from jail, US appeals court says
-
Northern lights could be visible in the US again tonight: What states should look to the sky
-
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Kyle Richards Shares Affordable Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Red Velvet, Please
-
Fact checking Trump's remarks after historic conviction in hush money trial
-
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are equal parts ribbing and respect ahead of summer tour
-
California firefighters battle wind-driven wildfire east of San Francisco