A proposed bill in the Alaska legislature aims to update the current safe surrender law. This legislation would allow for the installation of baby drop boxes at state-approved buildings, such as fire stations.
The current law, enacted in 2008, permits parents to surrender their newborns to firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, or others who can ensure the infant’s safety within 21 days of birth. Since its enactment, nine infants have been safely surrendered.
However, Anchorage Fire Chief Doug Schrage believes face-to-face surrender requirements may put newborns at risk. He cited a recent incident in Anchorage where a baby was found deceased near a fire station.
Schrage suggests that having a baby drop box at the fire station could have saved the baby’s life. The proposed Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 64 would enable the installation of climate-controlled baby drop boxes.
These boxes would have heating and cooling elements, and silent alarms, and would notify first responders immediately upon a baby being placed inside. The cost of each baby box is estimated to be around $20,000.
Private fundraising is likely necessary since the state is not obligated to pay for the boxes. Despite this, there has been significant interest from local businesses and organizations willing to support the initiative.
Two Anchorage Fire Department dispatchers, Frances Robinson, and Julie Condell, have worked on this initiative for several years. They believe the baby drop boxes could be a lifesaving addition to Alaska’s safe surrender law.
Moreover, the proposed legislation has sparked a crucial conversation about newborn safety in Alaska. Lawmakers are now considering the importance of providing a safe and anonymous way for individuals to surrender their newborns.
The proposed legislation could have a significant impact on newborn safety in Alaska. The Anchorage Fire Chief Doug Schrage incident highlights the need for alternative surrender options.
News story originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
