Iowa

Overview of Iowa law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

Law

• Section 233.1 – 233.6 (baby box provisions effective July 1, 2023)

Legislation

2023

• HF425 – Amends the Iowa Safe Haven law to allow a “newborn safety device” (baby box) to be installed at state-approved Safe Haven locations for the anonymous relinquishment of infants up to 90 days of age. Passed. Effective July 1, 2023

Hearings/Testimony/Letters

• Call to Action HF425, April 24, 2023
• Bastard Nation Letter of Opposition to HF425, April 24, 2023

News &Commentary

2024

• Safe Haven Baby Box coming to Savannah, St. Joseph News-Press, October 5, 2024
• Iowa’s second “baby box opens in Des Moines. Here’s how it works, Des Moines Register, October 8, 2024
• Central Iowa has state’s second Safe Haven Baby Box, RadioIowa, October 10, 2024
• The story behind Des Moines’ new Safe Haven Baby Box, Pregnancy Help News, October 30, 2024
• What is Iowa HHS Talking About? HHS Safe Haven Stats Don’t Match HSS Stat Claim. SSHBBN!, December 6, 2024

2023

• A Safe Haven: Fort Dodge to have first “baby box” in Iowa, Fort Dodge Messenger, May 19, 2023
• Governor signs Baby Box” bill, Fort Dodge Messenger June 2, 2023
• Behind the scenes preview of Fort Dodge Safe Haven baby box, WHO-TV, September 27, 2023
• First Safe Haven Baby Box in the state installed in Fort Dodge, KCII-TV, October 10, 2023
• A “blessing” for Fort Dodge,Fort Dodge Messenger, October 15, 2023
• Safe Haven Baby Box is a product of vision, volunteer effort, Fort Dodge Messenger, October 15, 2023

Updated December 6, 2024