Authorities are looking into the discovery of a baby girl’s body at a hospital in southeastern Idaho, where she was found in a box designated for anonymous newborn surrender, officials reported on Monday.
Authorities in Blackfoot, Idaho, approximately 250 miles east of Boise, were called on Oct. 13 regarding the discovery of a deceased infant in the Safe Haven Baby Box at Grove Creek Medical Center, according to news reports.
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, shared on social media Monday that hospital staff reacted within one minute to an alert signaling a baby was placed in the box, which was set up earlier this year. The team swiftly understood that the baby had passed away prior to being put inside.
“We are heartbroken,” Kelsey said. “Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed.”
In Idaho, the law permits the surrender of a baby only if the child is unharmed and in good health.
Officials reported that the organization and hospital staff are collaborating with police investigators. Kelsey mentioned that the baby was wrapped in a blanket, with the placenta still attached.
Officials at Grove Creek Medical Center shared on social media Monday that their staff members “gave their all in a heartbreaking situation.”
Kelsey, abandoned at birth in 1973, started Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Indiana in 2016. Fire departments and hospitals have boxes designed to offer a secure and discreet option for giving up a newborn.
The medical-grade boxes have been placed on the outer wall of the building. A door locks on its own when a newborn is placed inside, while a medical staff member opens another door to ensure the baby’s safety.
Boxes can be found in over a dozen states. Kelsey reported that since 2017, 52 infants have been safely surrendered at the organization’s baby box locations.
She mentioned that Safe Haven Baby Boxes will keep informing the public about the program’s operations.