Options exist to legally drop off a newborn in Florida. Here's what you should know
On May 11, a dead newborn boy was found in a bag inside a dumpster in Lakeland. The umbilical cord and placenta were still attached.
On the same day, a woman was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after a newborn boy was found dead in a bathroom trash can at Artesia General Hospital in New Mexico.
Newborn found in dumpster: Lakeland police seek 4 people for questioning in death of baby found in a dumpster
'Baby boxes': Florida fight over 'baby boxes' part of bigger culture war
There are options for a parent of a newborn and all 50 states have enacted safe haven legislation to protect babies. The age limit varies by state, ranging from 72 hours to 30 days.
What is the law in Florida about dropping off newborns?
In 2000, Florida became one of the first states to allow babies to be anonymously surrendered for adoption at hospitals and fire stations.
Under it, parents can hand over newborns up to 7 days old, no questions asked, assuming there is no evidence of neglect or abuse.
Where can babies be dropped off?
A newborn, one who a licensed physician reasonably believes is about 7 days old or younger, can be dropped off at a hospital, an emergency medical services station, or fire station.
Leaving a baby at an approved location means terminating parental rights
Leaving a baby at one of the approved locations means the person dropping off the newborn is terminating parental rights, according to Florida statutes.
Can a person dropping off a newborn be anonymous?
Yes, unless there are signs of neglect or abuse.
What if the baby is born in the hospital?
If the mother intends to leave the infant and not return, the hospital or registrar is supposed to fill out the infant’s birth certificate without naming the mother.
Can you change your mind after dropping off a baby?
A parent of a newborn infant left at a hospital, emergency medical services station or fire station may claim his or her newborn infant up until the time a court enters a judgment terminating his or her parental rights, according to Florida statutes.
Are there any baby "drop boxes" in Florida?
Currently, Florida has just one baby box, located in an Ocala fire station. It was installed two years ago without state authorization, according to the Associated Press. One baby has been dropped off in the box since it was installed.
How do the baby boxes work?
The boxes open from outside the building, allowing the parent to place the baby in a bassinet as a bag containing instructions and maternal medical advice drops out.
The door locks when it is reclosed and the agency is notified electronically. Safe Haven Baby Boxes says the average response time is two minutes.
What states have Safe Haven Baby Boxes?
The Safe Haven Laws in several states have been updated to include Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The states are: Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Maine Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
A total of 142 baby boxes have been installed since the first in 2016, with 25 newborns surrendered through one, according to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Florida Legislature and baby boxes
A bill passed unanimously by the Florida House earlier this year, supported by the Indiana-based Safe Haven Baby Boxes, would have given fire stations and hospitals the option to install the group’s ventilated and climate-controlled boxes, where parents could drop off their babies without interacting with fire or hospital employees.
The bill ran into problems in the Senate. Opponents called the boxes costly, unnecessary and potentially dangerous for the babies, mothers, firefighters and hospital workers.
The new bill would have allowed, but not required, fire departments and hospitals to acquire the boxes.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida baby drop off, safe haven for newborns. What to know
