A precious baby is alive today because a mother in crisis chose courage, love, and Life.
Within the last 10 days, a newborn was legally and safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 9 in Lubbock, Texas. This marked the first baby ever placed in this Safe Haven Baby Box, a reminder that life-saving options truly do save lives.
A Safe Haven Baby Box provides a secure, anonymous alternative for parents who feel unable to care for their newborn. Each box is temperature-controlled, padded, and continuously monitored. When the door is opened, a silent alarm immediately alerts firefighters inside the station. Within moments, first responders retrieve the baby and transport the child to a hospital for a full medical evaluation.
Lubbock leaders announced the surrender on Monday afternoon, expressing gratitude and prayer for both the baby and the mother who made the brave decision to seek safety rather than any alternative. City officials shared that they are praying for the mother’s healing and peace, trusting she finds comfort in knowing she gave her baby the priceless gift of protection and a future.
“It’s just an amazing thing,” said Mayor Mark McBrayer. “This is the first baby delivered to a baby box right here in Lubbock. I always say lucky me, I live in Lubbock, lucky baby to be born in Lubbock, where this exists.”
Safe Haven Baby Boxes exist for moments like this. Monica Kelsey, CEO of Safe Haven Baby Box, has long emphasized the importance of speaking directly to mothers in crisis after a surrender, reminding them they are not alone.
“I don’t know your situation or pain,” said Lubbock Fire Rescue Chief Richard Stewart, addressing the baby’s mother. “But I do know in your darkest moment, you had the courage and love for your baby to give them an opportunity at Life.”
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Chief Stewart noted that the baby was placed somewhere safe, protected, and well cared for. In fact, within one minute of being placed in the box, the newborn was in the arms of a firefighter.
Councilwoman Christy Martinez-Garcia reflected on the moment firefighters discovered the baby.
“When they picked up the baby, at first it cried. Then it went back to sleep. Isn’t that awesome? That’s how safe that little one felt. That’s what this is all about,” she said.
She also emphasized how most babies placed in Safe Haven boxes find their forever home within 30 days, and are officially adopted within six months!
Under Texas’ Safe Haven laws, a parent in crisis can legally surrender an unharmed infant 60 days old or younger to an employee at any hospital, fire station, or EMS station. Safe Haven Baby Boxes expand this life-saving option by allowing a completely anonymous option, ensuring no mother feels forced to choose between fear and her child’s Life.
This baby’s story is a powerful testament to the truth the Pro-Life movement has upheld: when compassionate, life-affirming options are made available, lives are saved. One mother found hope in her darkest moment. One baby was given the chance to grow, to be loved, and to live.
And because Safe Haven Baby Boxes exist, both were protected.
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