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McFarland proclaims February 2026 Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month after recent infant death
Summary
Mayor Saul Ayon read a proclamation declaring February 2026 Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month after a newborn was found dead in Bakersfield; a representative from the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center described the surrender process and a 14-day reclaim window for mothers.
Mayor Saul Ayon read a proclamation designating February 2026 as Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month, citing a recent infant death in neighboring Bakersfield and urging the community to spread awareness of the state law that allows parents to surrender newborns at specified locations.
"Awareness saves lives," Ayon said while reading the proclamation, which lists participating agencies and a Feb. 18 press conference at Adventist Health Specialty.
Erin Rogers of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center thanked the council and described how the surrender process works: a mother who surrenders an infant is given an identifying bracelet with no name; the mother keeps a matching bracelet and has 14 days to return and reclaim the child if she chooses. "This bracelet has no name," Rogers said, explaining the intent is to preserve the mother’s anonymity while creating a link to the infant.
The proclamation notes Kern County has recorded 105 babies surrendered since 2006 and directs staff and partner agencies to promote awareness through presentations and public-service announcements this February. The council approved the proclamation by unanimous vote.
