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Senate approves bill authorizing newborn safety devices for voluntary surrender
Summary
House Bill 1044, authorizing the use of newborn safety devices (baby surrender boxes) as an option under Safe Haven law, passed the Senate unanimously, 35-0.
The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1044, a measure to authorize use of an infant safety device — commonly called a baby surrender box — as an option for the voluntary, anonymous surrender of a newborn. The final vote was 35 yeas, 0 nays.
Why it was introduced: Senator Grove described the bill as a response to the discovery of an infant who later was called Gabriel James Doe and said constituents asked whether newborn surrender boxes were available in South Dakota. Grove said the measure does not change existing Safe Haven law but adds an additional option for parents in crisis who cannot do a face-to-face hospital surrender.
Support and context: Grove said organizations including South Dakota Right to Life and several community chapters were prepared to raise funds to place devices in facilities such as fire stations and hospitals; she said Sanford, Avera and Monument Health had expressed interest in having a device in their facilities. The senator recounted prior instances to underscore the potential lifesaving effect of an additional surrender option.
Vote and outcome: The Senate voted 35-0 in favor of the bill; the President declared the bill passed and the title deemed correct.
Ending: With the unanimous vote, the bill proceeds to the next step in the legislative process.
