New Mexico | Stop Baby Boxes Now!

Overview of New Mexico law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the state.

Law

None
Legislation Pending
Espanola installed a SHBB without authorizing state law; other locations will probably follow. (New Mexico is not a Home Rule state)

New Mexico Statistics

Baby Boxes: 1
Cases: 0

Legislation

2022

SB168 – Authorizes installation of Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Baby Safe Haven locations through the state; $330,000 appropriation from the General Fund to the local government division of the Department of Finance and Administration for expenditure in fiscal years 2022 through 2025 to install “surrender safety devices” at state-owned safe haven sites; ( The Associated Press reported an appropriation of $1 million.) $70,000 allocated for BSH education in schools.
HB 157 – House companion bill

2021

HB 18 – Amends state’s Safe Haven Law to authorize use of newborn safety devices at hospitals, fire stations, and law enforcement agencies. Location must be staffed at time of surrender. Specifically states that the law is not intended to abridge rights and obligations under ICWA. Sine Die

2020

HB190 – Amends state’s Safe Haven Law to authorize use of newborn safety devices at hospitals, fire stations, and law enforcement agencies. Location must be staffed at time of surrender. Specifically states that the law is not intended to abridge rights and obligations under ICWA. Sine Die.

Hearings/Testimony/Letters

Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc commenting on raising awareness about Safe Have Baby Boxes in middle and high school curriculums in New Mexico:

When they’re in college somewhere else, they’re going to remember they can take a newborn to a fire station, or a hospital, based on the training they received in high school.

Seriously? Is this a natural progression?

News and Commentary