KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — It’s a box where you can leave an unwanted baby, and it’s making its way through the legislature just in time for Christmas.
It may seem cold and cruel for young parents who are in over their heads to leave their newborn in a box, like a large bank deposit slot at a hospital, fire or police station, but the “Baby Boxes” have worked in other states and it’s better than the alternative.
Until Michigan’s Safe Haven Law was enacted, a number of babies wound up in dumpsters.
Oshtemo Fire Chief Mark Barnes says a baby box may not work at every fire station because not all are staffed 24/7.
State Senator Rick Jones says they are also equipped with alarms and 911 dialing features to guarantee the baby doesn’t go undiscovered.
The Senate version of the House bill now heads back to the House to ratify the changes made by the Senate.
(copy written by John McNeill)
