Over a year after the City of San Antonio approved $250,000 to install Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the initiative remains unfulfilled. The devices, designed to provide a safe, anonymous option for mothers to surrender their newborns, have yet to see a definitive timeline for implementation.
The delay stems from concerns raised by the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) and other stakeholders over the long-term financial implications of maintaining the boxes.
“We have to be not only responsible to what’s best for the baby, but also fiscally responsible,” said Joe Arrington, public information officer for SAFD.
The Role of Baby Boxes Under Texas Law
The push for baby boxes gained momentum in Texas following the passage of Senate Bill 780 in 2023. Signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, the law expanded the Baby Moses Law to allow the installation of these boxes at emergency locations such as fire stations and hospitals.
Baby boxes are secure, temperature-controlled devices equipped with alarms to notify authorities when an infant is placed inside. The goal is to provide a safe alternative for mothers who feel unable to care for their babies, ensuring the infants are protected and quickly connected with medical care.
Texas joined at least 19 other states that have approved the use of such devices, which advocates say can save lives.
“If a child is left in that box, it’s secure, it’s climate-controlled—that’s great,” Arrington said.
Delays in Implementation
In March, SAFD indicated that San Antonio’s baby boxes would be operational by the end of 2023. However, shared concerns between emergency medical services, the fire department, and strategic partners have cast doubt on whether the goal will be achieved.
The primary issue lies in the long-term financial responsibility associated with maintaining and monitoring the baby boxes. Arrington emphasized that the SAFD prefers direct handoffs of infants at fire stations or hospitals, where critical information about the child can be collected.
“As we said all along, we would prefer that person-to-person handoff so we can get the history of the baby,” Arrington explained. “It’s not a judgment thing by any stretch of the imagination. It’s just to ensure the welfare of the baby.”
A Preventable Incident Highlights Urgency
The importance of Safe Haven Baby Boxes was underscored by a recent incident on Austin Highway near Salado Creek. On Tuesday, San Antonio police responded to reports of an abandoned newborn found by a passerby.
According to authorities, a 37-year-old woman, Julie Alexander, gave birth in the area and left the baby. Officers located Alexander nearby and transported both her and the infant to the hospital for treatment.
While the baby was reportedly in good condition, Alexander was arrested and charged with abandonment and endangerment of a child.
“Something like last night—fortunately, the baby was able to be transported to the hospital,” a San Antonio Police Department spokesperson said. “But that’s preventable.”
Advocates Push for Progress
Advocates for the baby boxes argue that incidents like this demonstrate the urgency of providing safe and accessible options for mothers in crisis. The temperature-controlled devices offer a secure environment for infants while maintaining the anonymity of the mothers.
The city’s allocation of $250,000 reflects a commitment to the program, but delays in implementation raise questions about the effectiveness of the current approach.
Balancing Safety and Fiscal Responsibility
While the safety of infants remains the top priority, SAFD is also focused on ensuring the program is sustainable in the long term. This balance between safety and fiscal responsibility is at the heart of the delays.
As the conversation continues, stakeholders are tasked with finding a path forward that meets the needs of both vulnerable infants and the community. For now, the fate of San Antonio’s baby boxes remains uncertain.
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