“Baby Boxes” legal soon in the State of Texas
Published on June 20, 2023
SAN ANTONIO (June 20, 2023) — Over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 780 that expands the state’s Baby Moses law to provide greater accessibility to families in crisis by allowing the use of Newborn Safety Devices or “Baby Boxes” to surrender a newborn to an emergency infant care provider.
District 9 Councilman John Courage stated “It is gratifying to see that the Governor has signed SB 780, and that this bill passed through the Texas legislature with bipartisan support. Since first submitting the ‘Safe Babies SA’ Council Consideration Request (CCR) to install these devices in San Antonio fire stations, I have been very appreciative of the many collaborative partnerships that have convened regionally and nationally. Advocates and organizations have come together to ensure these lifesaving devices are included as an option for mothers and families who find themselves in positions where safely surrendering their infant is the best thing they can do for them.
Although this is a big step in the right direction, we can do more in our community to protect families and newborn babies. The law is only effective if parents in crisis know about it and can choose to utilize it over abandoning their infant, or worse. I will continue advocating on City Council for the immediate funding and installation of these devices at select San Antonio Fire Stations and promote awareness campaigns to inform the public on their rights under this law.”
San Antonio has been leading the charge to protect the lives of infants in crisis. In September of 2022, the District 9 Councilman submitted the “Safe Babies SA” CCR advocating for the installation newborn safety devices. In December of 2022, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzalez submitted an Opinion Request on the issue from the Attorney General’s office. San Antonio representatives Senator Menendez and Representative Martinez Fischer provided their support and assistance by filing bills that sought to expand the Safe Haven Law.
Pamela Allen, CEO of Eagle’s Flight, has assisted with the burials of nearly 40 children in the San Antonio area, including infants found abandoned or murdered. She has been working to expand the Baby Moses Law since she buried “Baby Noel”, a 3-day old infant strangled by his mother before being discarded in a duffle bag, which was later found at a San Antonio waste processing center. On hearing the news of the Governor signing the bill, Allen said, “The decision to implement Baby Boxes in Texas is a huge step in the fight against deadly abandonment. What an amazing time to see this type of child abuse prevention.”
The inclusion of Newborn Safety Devices as an option to surrender a child will take effect September 1, 2023.