Lawmakers hear testimony for newborn safe-haven box bill, supporters cite anonymity and lifesaving potential

Representative Dawson Holly introduced House Bill 1205, proposing authorization and an appropriation for newborn safety devices—commonly called safe-haven or baby boxes—under North Dakota’s safe-haven law. The bill’s concept allows a person to surrender an infant under 60 days old anonymously by placing the child inside a temperature-controlled, monitored compartment in an authorized location, which then alerts first responders.

Representative Dawson Holly said the boxes are already operating in other states and framed the bill as a life-saving, anonymous option: “These are real children who now grow up with loving families and are given a second chance of life because their parents had access to safe compassionate options during the moment of crisis,” Holly said.

Testimony in support included foster and adoptive parents, faith-based groups and pro-life organizations. Savannah Schmidt, a foster parent who adopted a safe-haven baby, described barriers she…