The Incident
An 18-year-old woman, Angel Newberry, has been arrested after a deceased newborn was discovered in a Safe Haven Baby Box at Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot, Idaho. The box is part of a program designed to allow parents to safely and anonymously surrender unharmed newborns under 30 days old without legal consequences.
The baby girl was found on October 13, wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached. Medical staff responded immediately to the box’s alarm and removed the infant within a minute of its placement. However, authorities determined that the baby had died long before being left in the box.
Legal Context
Under Idaho law, Safe Haven Baby Boxes provide a legal and safe option for parents to surrender newborns anonymously. The law specifically protects the surrender of healthy, unharmed infants under 30 days old. However, the placement of a deceased or harmed infant is not covered under the Safe Haven law and is considered illegal.
Newberry has been charged with failing to report a death to law enforcement and the coroner. She is being held at Bingham County Jail as the investigation continues, and additional charges may follow.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes Response
Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, expressed heartbreak over the incident. "This is an illegal, deadly abandonment," she said. "Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed."
The organization emphasized its commitment to educating the public about the distinction between legal safe surrender and illegal abandonment. Kelsey stated that the organization is fully cooperating with law enforcement and providing all available information.
Community Impact
The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for awareness and education about Safe Haven laws. Advocates stress the importance of ensuring parents understand how to legally and safely use the resources available for newborn surrender to prevent future incidents.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for public outreach on Safe Haven programs and the critical role they play in providing a safe alternative for parents in crisis.
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