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Safe Haven Baby Box Founder Slams Hospital for Nearly 'Screwing Up' Newborn Bab…
The story outraged others who couldn't understand the nurse's ignorance.
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Indianapolis Hospital Fails Safe Haven Protocol, Fire Station Steps Up
Indianapolis, Indiana – A recent incident in Indianapolis has brought to light potential inconsistencies in the application of Safe Haven laws, following a mother's attempt to anonymously surrender her infant. Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, detailed the event, revealing that a local hospital's emergency room staff allegedly mishandled a safe haven surrender, requesting personal information from the mother, which is contrary to the law's intent of anonymity.According to Kelsey, the mother, who contacted the Safe Haven Baby Boxes hotline, was initially directed to a nearby hospital. However, during a call with the hospital's charge nurse, Kelsey was informed that the staff intended to question the mother and would not allow the baby to be left unattended. This prompted Kelsey to redirect the distressed mother to a local fire station equipped with a Safe Haven Baby Box.The fire station, which had previously handled safe surrenders, successfully facilitated the process, accepting the infant without questions and providing the mother with an orange bag, as per protocol. Kelsey praised the fire station for its understanding and compassionate handling of the situation, contrasting it sharply with the hospital's alleged lack of knowledge regarding the Safe Haven law.Kelsey stated, "This fire station handled this mother with respect, with grace, and with love. They didn't ask questions. They understood the law." She further indicated her intention to contact the hospital's COO to address the issue, emphasizing the critical need for all designated Safe Haven locations to be properly educated on the law to ensure the safety and anonymity of parents in crisis.
