The temperature-controlled devices were slated to begin installation at three fire stations by the end of February.
SAN ANTONIO — More than two years after San Antonio City Council approved the Safe Haven Baby Box initiative, the devices meant to provide a safe surrender option for newborns are still not installed.
The initiative, approved in 2023, originally envisioned at least 10 temperature-controlled Safe Haven Baby Boxes at local fire stations. Approved funding of more than $400,000 now allows for only three baby boxes after various cost assessments were conducted, according to Joe Arrington, public information officer with the San Antonio Fire Department.
“These boxes are now in some cities in Texas and operating and some lives of the babies have been saved,” said Pam Allen, head of Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach. “But with the City of San Antonio, it’s become a little bit more difficult.”
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are climate-controlled devices installed in exterior walls of fire stations and hospitals. A mother in crisis can anonymously place her newborn inside the box. Once the door closes, it locks automatically and alerts first responders inside the building, who retrieve the baby within minutes.
Allen noted the devices are designed to prevent unsafe abandonments.
“This is another option for moms who are in crisis, who are struggling,” Allen said. “If their decision is between a baby box and a trash can, we want these baby boxes to be that option because we’ve seen too many fatalities of deadly abandonments.”
The latest known incident happened in May 2025 when a fetus was found inside an apartment complex dumpster wrapped in a diaper bag.
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes were initially slated to be installed by the end of this month. That timeline, however, was dependent on finalizing a contract with the manufacturer, Arrington said.
In an emailed statement Arrington said: “The negotiations are on-going with the manufacturer of the boxes. Once negotiations are finished, the initial box(es) will be shipped here and installation can begin. The original end of February timeline was based off the hope that negotiations / installation would have been taken care of. Unfortunately the negotiations between the City and the manufacturer have taken longer than expected.”
The three approved locations include fire stations 24, 18 and 7. City officials have not provided a new installation date as negotiations with the vendor continue.
Allen said she understands the legal and contractual hurdles but wants a resolution soon.
“The legalities, the contracts with the manufacturer, I understand why they’re kind of pumping the brakes on this,” Allen said. “But they need to come up with a resolution to follow up. Get these boxes built. It’s imperative for our community.”
Former District 9 City Councilman John Courage, who championed the local baby box initiative, said he’s confident in the city to follow through with the ordinance establishing the baby boxes. He acknowledged how the legal aspects of such ventures can prolong results. He said with a new fire chief now in place and determining which fire stations are best suited for the baby boxes may also play a role in the delay.
Texas law currently permits parents to legally surrender a newborn up to 60 days old at designated safe haven locations such as fire stations, hospitals and EMS facilities without facing prosecution, as long as the baby has not been harmed.