House committee holds hearing on bills to authorize voluntary ‘live baby’ drop boxes

The Michigan House Families and Veterans Committee heard testimony and questions on three bills that would allow voluntary installation of “live baby” drop boxes at staffed safe-haven locations such as fire stations and hospitals.

The committee called on representatives Will Bruck, Katie Wirtz and Katie Wolford to present House Bill 4067, HB 4069 and HB 4368 and hear from more than a dozen witnesses, including a manufacturer representative, medical professionals, and nonprofit leaders. Proponents said the boxes provide an anonymous option intended to prevent infant abandonment and death; opponents raised concerns about medical safety, sufficient protections for laboring persons and potential gaps in oversight.

Supporters said the legislation expands Michigan’s 2000 Safe Delivery of Newborns law, which currently allows a parent to surrender a newborn in person at certain locations without criminal charge. Right to Life of Michigan and other advocates told the committee that allowing anonymous drop boxes can reach people who would not walk into a staffed facility. Genevieve Marnon, legislative director and senior policy adviser for Right to Life of Michigan, said the state’s law has resulted in hundreds of surrenders in hospitals but that boxes could offer greater anonymity and potentially save more newborns.

Joe Kelsey, senior project…