MEHLVILLE, Mo. – On February 8th, 2024, a courageous mother made the life-changing decision to place her newborn baby girl into the newly installed Safe Haven Baby Box at Mehlville District’s Fire Station #2. This life-saving event marks a significant milestone in the implementation of legislation sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and signed into law by Governor Mike Parson on July 15, 2021.
The first Safe Haven Baby Box in Mehlville District was installed on August 8, 2023, as a part of the comprehensive effort to provide a safe and legal alternative for at-risk mothers facing difficult decisions. The temperature-controlled incubator, discreetly integrated into the exterior wall of the fire station, allows mothers to place their newborns securely and anonymously. The exterior door locks automatically, providing the mother with time to leave before alerting first responders or hospital staff inside.
State Representative Jim Murphy, the driving force behind the legislation, expressed gratitude that the Safe Haven Baby Box was there when this mother needed it. “We knew the value of these boxes in Missouri, and we are thankful it was there for this mother when she needed it,” Rep. Murphy, R-St. Louis, said. “The mother’s courageous decision to utilize the Safe Haven Baby Box is a testament to the impact of these life-saving initiatives.”
The commitment is clear – the baby is safe and will have a bright future, thanks to the sacrifice made by the mother. Safe Haven Baby Boxes were created to prevent parents from abandoning newborns in unsafe locations, potentially saving lives. Representative Murphy dedicated three years to developing and advocating for this legislation after his constituent, Robert Gau, brought the subject to the forefront.
The Mehlville Fire District, whose members promptly retrieved the newborn girl from the Safe Haven Baby Box, provided immediate care and transported her to a hospital for further evaluation. The successful implementation of the Safe Haven Baby Box in Mehlville District highlights the importance of community collaboration and legislation aimed at protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
“I am deeply thankful for to have partnered with the Mehlville Fire District for without their wholehearted dedication to this project, this miracle of life would not have happed, especially Chief Brian Hendrics, Bonnie Stegman and the Fire Board,” Murphy said. “Today we celebrate a life saved and I can think of nothing greater.”
State Representative Jim Murphy, a Republican, represents parts of St. Louis County (District 94) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2018.
For more information, please contact Rep. Murphy’s office at 573-751-3719 or via email at Jim.Murphy@House.Mo.Gov.