Georgia law currently requires face to face surrender of a newborn at a hospital, police or fire station.  Although they say, “no questions asked”, these parents know that they have to look another human in the eye and that they can be identified. Someone may ask questions.  Face to face is a deterrent to many of these parents who want to surrender but don’t want anyone to know.  This can lead to situations like the ones previously mentioned where babies are abandoned.

In 2020 HB881 was introduced in response to another case of infant abandonment, baby India in Forsyth County in 2019. HB881 passed the House unanimously and was sent to the Senate only to get forgotten in the chaos of the pandemic. In 2024, HB1030 was introduced, (a new version of 881), but never gained any steam before the end of the session. Earlier this year, HB350 (actually the same version with a new name) was introduced. It passed out of committee and then did not get the attention of House leadership, so it died before crossing over. We believe that 2026 will finally be the year for success. Each of you has a platform that you can use to help us pressure lawmakers to push through this important legislation and get it to the Governor’s desk and that is why we need your help.

Newborn safety devices are built into the exterior wall of a hospital or fire station. They act like an incubator. They hold the baby in a bassinet in a ventilated, temperature controlled space that is wired to call directly to 911. The box locks from the exterior and is only accessible, after a baby is placed inside, from the interior door. The average time that a baby is inside the box is approximately 2 minutes. After a newborn is retrieved from the device, the baby is transported to the nearest medical facility and turned over to DCFAS where the procedure for a baby surrendered under safe haven begins. These babies are placed with pre-screened foster parents who intend to adopt. HB350 isn’t asking for money. The dollars for these boxes are raised through grassroots efforts. HB350 just asks for permission, for newborn safety devices to be added as a safe, legal and anonymous option for surrender.

There are almost 400 newborn safety devices nationwide. They are in 24 states, including Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. At least 70 babies have been saved using these boxes since 2017. Desperate parents and newborns in Georgia deserve this option. Please help us get HB350 all the way to the Governor’s desk this session.

For further information or questions, please contact Amie Anderson at apa1106@bellsouth.net.