Lawmakers: "Baby boxes” could save lives

Indiana lawmakers are working to save the lives of more newborn babies across the Hoosier state.

Currently under Indiana's Safe Haven Law, distressed parents are allowed to safely give up an unwanted newborn baby at a hospital emergency room, fire station, or police station –legally and confidentially.

The law doesn't require the parent leave any name or record. But it does require face to face contact as the mother, father, or guardian hand off the child.

Some worry this has prevented parents from taking advantage of the program, in fear they may see someone they know.

In a move to help remove any shame desperate parents may feel in the process, lawmakers are working on another safe option.

On Tuesday, the House unanimously voted on a bill to provide Safe Haven locations with “baby boxes.” It is a box similar to an incubator in an NICU where parents can safely leave a baby.

Our reporting partners at RTV6 in Indianapolis report, if the bill is passed, 100 of the baby boxes will be installed at Safe Haven locations by July of 2016.

For more information about Indiana's Safe Haven Law click here.