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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
For the first time since its installation in April of last year, the Safe Haven Baby Box at a Hendersonville fire station was utilized when an infant was surrendered in the middle of the night last week.
The baby was healthy and safe according to the first responders at Hendersonville’s Fire Station #5 who were alerted by the box’s silent alarm which triggers the moment the climate-controlled box is opened.
Brittany McCarthy, a paramedic with Sumner County EMS recalled the experience, saying she almost didn’t believe it was real at first. “Late at night, we all had to wake up and respond to meet this beautiful baby. I got up, went over to the baby box, and saw a sweet little baby in there. I took them to the ambulance by to check vitals, assess, and make sure they were happy and healthy. They were absolutely beautiful-completely healthy.”
Hendersonville Fire Chief Scotty Bush believes the focus should be on the bravery of the decision made by the parent.
“They are truly the heroes. They are the ones this story needs to be centered on,” he said. “We do not know who they are. We don’t want to know. We value and appreciate the anonymity- but we want them to know their child is in a safe place, receiving love and care every day. We value that trust. We value the fact that they trusted us enough to bring the child here, knowing we would do the right thing and get the baby to the right place.”
Murfreesboro Fire Chief Mark McCluskey also praised the program as Fire Station #4 joined the Safe Haven Program in October of 2024, though their box has yet to be used.
“It’s heartbreaking to know that you have that box, but it’s good to know that it is there,” he said.
Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law “allows mothers to surrender their unharmed newborn within 45 days of birth, confidentially and without fear of prosecution for abandonment, to staff at any Safe Haven Facility or in a newborn safety device.”
Approved Safe Haven Facilities include hospitals, birthing centers, health departments, walk-in clinics, fire stations, police stations, certain nursing homes in rural communities, and 911 call centers that have opted to be a facility. So long as the infant shows no signs of abuse, there are no questions asked.
The surrendered babies are adopted by families registered as foster to adopt, coordinated through the local Department of Family Services, so these rescued newborns will be loved and cared for by those who have been patiently awaiting precious new family members.
According to the Safe Haven Baby Box website, there are at least 20 Safe Haven locations at various hospitals, fire stations, and other facilities across Tennessee where newborn babies can be lawfully, confidentially, and safely surrendered.
There are over 250 Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the nation and since 2017, reportedly over 60 infants have been rescued through the box program.
Parents wrestling with the difficult decision to surrender a newborn can speak with someone by calling the 24/7 confidential Safe Haven Helpline at 1-866-699-SAFE.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Yes those parents of these babies are to be praised for saving the life of that precious child. I can’t imagine what they or she must be feeling. I hope and pray the Lord Jesus gives her peace and comfort for doing the right thing for that little life.