In a disturbing incident in Blackfoot, Idaho, an 18-year-old woman was arrested following the discovery of a deceased newborn in a hospital's Safe Haven Baby Box. Angel Newberry from Twin Falls was taken into custody over a month after the tragic event came to light.
An 18-year-old was arrested after a dead newborn, with the placenta still attached, was found in a Safe Haven Baby Box at Idaho’s Grove Creek Medical Center, the New York Post reported.
The horrifying discovery was made on October 13 when hospital staff at Grove Creek Medical Center in Blackfoot responded to an alarm from a Safe Haven Baby Box. They found a baby girl wrapped in a blanket, her umbilical cord still connected to the placenta, indicating she was recently born.
Initial investigations by the local authorities suggested the baby was already deceased when placed in the box. Under Idaho law, the Safe Haven Baby Box system allows for the anonymous surrender of unharmed newborns under 30 days old to prevent unsafe abandonment. However, the surrender of a harmed or deceased infant is not covered under these legal protections.
Angel Newberry, upon her arrest, was charged with failing to report a death, a serious offense requiring notification to both law enforcement and the coroner's office. This act sparked a broader discussion about the legal uses of baby boxes and the responsibilities of those who use them.
The Blackfoot Police Department made an official statement clarifying the intended use of the Safe Haven Baby Box, emphasizing its role in protecting newborns by providing a secure and anonymous place for parents to leave infants legally and safely.
"Unfortunately, the placement of a harmed or deceased infant is not protected under the system of Idaho law,” according to the Blackfoot Police Department. This clarification highlights the gap between the intent and misuse of the baby box system, tracing a line between legal surrender and what occurred in this sad case.
Monica Kelsey, the founder of the Safe Haven Baby Box program, expressed her dismay over the incident, underlining the tragedy of the situation. “We are heartbroken,” said Kelsey. She further emphasized the legality and intent of the program: “Let this be clear: this is an illegal, deadly abandonment.”
The community and supporters of the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative nationwide have been shocked by the news, sparking an outpouring of concern over the misuse of these lifesaving systems. Additionally, the incident has triggered a review of protocols and educational efforts about the Baby Box’s proper use.
As the case unfolds, Newberry remains in custody at the Bingham County Jail, facing charges that may be just the beginning of legal proceedings. Authorities have noted that further charges could be added as the investigation into the newborn's death continues.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full circumstances of the baby’s death and the reasons behind Newberry's actions. This case has also prompted a reevaluation of the Safe Haven laws and their implementation to ensure they fulfill their role in safeguarding infants while deterring misuse.
As the local community and the nation grapple with the implications of this tragic event, questions about mental health support, parental pressure, and legal clarity remain at the forefront. This case may serve as a pivotal point in addressing how effective Safe Haven Laws are and how they are communicated to the public, ensuring they are used as intended and not as a loophole in tragic circumstances.
