In Spring, Texas, a firefighter from nearly four years ago recounted the remarkable day when a woman arrived at the fire station and entrusted him with her newborn baby in accordance with the Baby Moses Law.
In an interview with KPRC 2 reporter Brittany Jeffers, firefighter John Nanninga from Fire Station 71 in Spring shared details about the encounter.
“I was feeling nervous because I had never been in that situation before,” Nanninga expressed. “But now, our focus is solely on the well-being of the baby. We are committed to providing the necessary care and support for the child. We will gather as much information as the mother is willing to share with us, and then she can continue with her own plans. Our priority is to ensure that the child receives proper care and attention.”
The process, what does it look like?
If a parent finds themselves in a situation where they are unable to care for their newborn, they face a serious decision. However, there is a safe and legal choice available to them. The Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law, allows parents to bring their infant to a designated safe place, such as a hospital or fire station, and leave them with an employee who will ensure their safety and well-being.
According to Nanninga, if you find yourself unable to care for your infant, you have the option to visit any hospital, EMS station, or fire station displaying a Safe Haven sign. To initiate the process, simply ring the bell and wait for the firefighters to come out.
After undergoing a medical assessment, the infant will be entrusted to an emergency caregiver.
If you leave your unharmed infant at a Safe Haven, it’s crucial to note that you will not face prosecution for abandonment or neglect.
Unfortunately, not all babies will meet the requirement for this law.
The qualifications for Baby Moses include the following:
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Your baby must be 60 days old or younger and unharmed and safe.
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You may take your baby to eligible hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services (EMS) station in Texas.
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You need to give your baby to an employee who works at one of these safe places and tell this person that you want to leave your baby at a Safe Haven.
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You may be asked by an employee for family or medical history to make sure that your baby receives the care they need.
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For more information, please visit the Baby Moses Project website or contact the Texas Baby Moses Hotline at 1-877-904-SAVE (1-877-904-7283).
