Georgia bill would expand Safe Haven options with newborn ‘baby boxes’

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A bill awaiting Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature could change how Georgia’s Safe Haven law works by allowing parents to anonymously surrender newborns using secured “newborn safety devices,” often called baby boxes.

The measure, known as the Eliza Jane Warner Act, would allow hospitals and fire stations across the state to install the devices, giving parents an additional option beyond an in-person handoff.

Why the bill is named for Eliza Jane Warner

The proposal is named in memory of Eliza Jane Warner, a Georgia infant who was found abandoned.

Rep. Mike Cameron (R–1st District) said the child’s case underscored the need for more options for parents in crisis.

“We might not have been able to save Eliza Jane, we don’t know, but there are other Eliza Janes out there that we can save if we put these safety devices in place,” Cameron said.

Cameron also pointed to emotional testimony from Eliza Jane’s grandmother during a hearing, saying it helped shape lawmakers’ decision to name that section of code in her honor.

What would change under the Eliza Jane Warner Act

Advocates say the biggest shift is anonymity.

Under current law, Safe Haven surrenders typically require an in-person transfer. Supporters of the bill argue that requirement can deter some parents who are afraid, overwhelmed, or trying to avoid being identified.

If signed, the bill would allow a parent to surrender a newborn using a secured device installed at approved locations.

Societies are remembered by how the most vulnerable members are treated. Relating to this bill, a birth mother in crisis and a newborn who is completely dependent for survival are most assuredly in need of compassion and safety. House Bill 350 provides a way for a newborn to safely be surrendered with minimal contact so the mother can concentrate on her mental health and wellbeing. As legislators, we must deal with facts and doing what is best for our citizens. In this case, adding another safe harbor to save a child’s life is the right thing to do.

Beth Camp, Bill Advocate

How baby boxes work

Bill advocate Amie Anderson said the devices are designed to keep infants safe while immediately alerting staff.

According to Anderson, once a baby is placed inside:

• The outside door locks to keep the baby secure.
• A series of alarms activates.
• After the parent has time to leave, an audible alarm alerts firefighters or hospital staff inside the building.

A local advocate’s perspective

Advocate Brittany Almon, who adopted her son after a Safe Haven surrender, said she’s grateful the current law gave his biological mother a way to safely give him up.

“I am thankful every day for my son’s biological mother… who knew about our current Safe Haven law and who surrendered him face-to-face,” Almon said. “I don’t know her circumstances… but I do know that she knew she needed to give him life and give him a life that he deserves.”

What this could mean for Savannah

Local drop-off sites may still be deciding what to do if the bill becomes law.

St. Joseph’s/Candler said in a statement that leadership is reviewing the legislation and will determine whether changes to current policy are warranted.

St. Joseph’s/Candler is and has been a Safe Place for individuals to surrender newborns. As per Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns Act, it is St. Joseph’s/Candler’s policy that anyone can anonymously drop off a newborn at either the St. Joseph’s Hospital emergency department or the Candler Hospital emergency department.

St. Joseph’s/Candler leadership is reviewing the latest legislation to determine if any new policy changes would be warranted beyond what has already been established. The public should know that any newborn surrendered at our facilities would be immediately in the care of medical professionals.

St. Joseph's/Candler