(Madison) – Parents in Northeast Wisconsin will soon have an anonymous and safe way to turn over custody of their child. This week, officials in Sturgeon Bay authorized a Safe Haven Baby Box. The temperature-controlled baby boxes are attached to a hospital or fire department that is staffed 24-7. The boxes have a silent alarm to alert medical professionals when a child is placed inside. The law allowing baby boxes was authored by Representative Joel Kitchens, and the idea originated in Door County.
 
“Back in 2023, a baby was left in a field in Whitewater. I was approached by three Ob-Gyn doctors from Door County Medical Center, who wanted to prevent another tragedy,” Kitchens said, “Being a parent in ideal circumstances is tough. For some in rough situations, it can feel impossible. Now we will have a safe and legal way to put a child up for adoption, no questions asked.”
 
Wisconsin is one of at least 14 states to have an anonymous 24-hour, 7-day-a-week drop-off law for newborns. This session, the Legislature unanimously extended the age of a child that can be dropped off from up to 72 hours old to 30 days. Several states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, have already made this change.
 
“If this new Safe Haven Baby Box saves one child, it will be worth the investment,” Kitchens said, “I am especially grateful to Mayor David Ward, the Sturgeon Bay City Council, Fire Chief Kalin Montevideo, and the Knights of Columbus for their advocacy and tireless work in making this happen.”
 
Representative Kitchens represents Door, Kewaunee, and parts of Brown County.