Legislation would allow installation of safe baby drop boxes at fire departments

State Rep. Will Bruck has introduced a plan to protect women and their children by allowing fire departments throughout Michigan to install specially designed boxes where newborn babies can be surrendered safely.

Since 2001, Michigan’s Safe Delivery of Newborns Law has allowed parents to surrender their newborns to hospitals, as well as police and fire stations, instead of endangering their lives through abandonment. More than 240 babies have been safely surrendered in Michigan since the law was originally adopted.

Bruck’s plan, House Bill 5407, would expand current law to allow communities throughout Michigan to install baby drop boxes at fire stations as a method to surrender a newborn child safely, legally and anonymously.

“My goal is to provide a compassionate solution to a heartbreaking problem,” Bruck said. “This legislation offers a secure and legal option for parents facing tough decisions, ensuring the well-being of newborns and giving families a lifeline during difficult times.”

Baby safety boxes are specially designed to be installed in the exterior wall of a safe and temperature-controlled location, such as a fire department. Sensors are attached that notify emergency responders within seconds of an infant being placed inside. Responders would then transport the newborn to a hospital.

“Baby safety boxes are a crucial tool in preventing infant abandonment, reinforcing our commitment to providing support and options for parents in distress,” Bruck said.

He noted that the boxes will be optional, not a mandate, and that municipalities would be required to secure their own funding.

House Bill 5407 was referred to the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee for consideration.

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