Safe Haven Baby Box. Courtesy/shbb.org

STATE News:

SANTA FE —  The New Mexico Health & Human Services Committee passed HB 157 Wednesday, which  proposes funding for ‘Baby Boxes’ in every county in the state.

These boxes aim to prevent infant abandonment by increasing safe, confidential options for parents who make the difficult decision to surrender an infant under the state’s existing safe haven law.

The legislation would expand New Mexico’s safe haven law, which allows parents to surrender newborns to a health care worker, law enforcement officer or first responder without legal repercussions within 90 days of birth, allowing another option to surrender infants safely and confidentially, without the guilt of personal contact with a medical provider or law enforcement officer.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ambrose Castellano (D-Serafina), House Majority Whip Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces) and Representatives Christine Trujillo (D-Albuquerque), James Strickler (R-Farmington) and Kelly Fajardo (R-Los Lunas), passed the committee with a vote of 7 to 3. 

“It is especially important in a small town like mine that we make sure there are safe and confidential ways for infants to be surrendered under New Mexico’s Safe Haven Law,” Rep. Castellano said. “When people feel desperate they can make very bad decisions and this bill will help make sure that does not happen again in our state.”

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the session. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to enter the building. Members of the public can view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.