ANGOLA, Ind. (WWJ/AP) - A fire station in northeastern Indiana is the latest place for parents to safely drop off a newborn child.
A Safe Haven Baby Box was unveiled Monday in Angola. The fire station is just minutes from the Michigan border, which was a factor in the location. Before leaving office, Michigan
Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder last year vetoed Michigan legislation that would have allowed baby boxes.
The boxes allow someone to drop off a baby without fear of criminal prosecution. A baby is placed inside it anonymously from outside of the facility and then locked, so that no one outside the building can remove the child. The box has an alarm that immediately alerts a local hospital or emergency responders.
The Steuben County Community Foundation helped pay for the box, and others donated their services for the installation.
When Snyder vetoed the Michigan bills, he said it's always better to hand a baby to a person -- an option that is available under state law
Since 2000, Michigan's safe delivery law allows parents to legally surrender a newborn at a fire department, hospital or police station without being charged with child abandonment. Surrendered babies are then placed into adoption programs.



