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BLACKFOOT — A dead newborn baby was reportedly found inside a Safe Haven Baby Box earlier this month.
Officials in Blackfoot and Twin Falls are investigating after a newborn girl was allegedly discovered inside the Safe Haven Baby Box at Grove Creek Medical Center, located at 350 N. Meridian Street, on Oct. 13.
According to a news release from the Twin Falls Police Department, the Blackfoot Police Department responded to the scene and initiated a death investigation.
It is not clear why the Twin Falls Police Department is involved. EastIdahoNews.com has reached out to both law enforcement entities and Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley, for clarification and will update if it hears back.
Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we're so proud of the way they honor every life they touch.
–Grove Creek Medical Center
Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the company that provides and advocates for the devices, released a statement on their Facebook page Monday afternoon, stating that the baby had passed away before being placed in the box.
"Grove Creek Medical Center staff responded immediately to the alarm, indicating a baby was in the box. The medical team removed the infant from the bassinet within a minute," says the post. "Upon removal, they quickly realized that the infant had passed away long before being placed in the baby box."
According to the organization, the Safe Haven Law in Idaho allows for the surrender of an infant who is unharmed and healthy, meaning the act of placing a deceased baby into the baby box is "not a legal surrender under state law as it does not meet the criteria for Safe Haven surrender."
"We are heartbroken. Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment. Anonymity is only allowed when an infant is safely surrendered completely unharmed," says Safe Haven Baby Boxes Founder Monica Kelsey in the post. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and providing all information we possess to local authorities. When the baby was placed in the box, she was wrapped in a blanket with the placenta still attached."
Grove Creek Medical Center also posted a statement to their Facebook page on Monday, saying they are cooperating with law enforcement and "committed to making sure anyone facing a difficult time knows they're not alone."
"We're incredibly grateful for our dedicated team, who responded within moments to the Safe Haven Baby Box alarm and gave their all in a heartbreaking situation," says the post. "Though this infant was already deceased when abandoned, our staff showed deep compassion and commitment to care. Their actions mean everything to us, and we're so proud of the way they honor every life they touch."
The Safe Haven Baby Box opened in July, marking the first Idaho location where parents can anonymously and safely leave an infant they are unable to care for. It is not clear how many babies have been dropped off at the Blackfoot location since its opening.
According to the organization that provides the boxes, Safe Haven Baby Boxes, 50 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a baby box since 2017.
The National Safe Haven Crisis line has also reportedly assisted with over 150 handoff surrenders.
"Idaho's Safe Haven Baby Box program offers a safe and confidential option for parents in crisis, allowing them to relinquish their newborns without fear of prosecution. This law reflects the community's commitment to protecting the lives of vulnerable infants," says the release. "The staff at Grove Creek Medical Center, the site of Idaho's only Safe Haven Baby Box, are commended for their compassionate response and support during this tragic situation."
