by Overview of North Carolina law, statistics, legislation, and news stories related to Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the state.
Law
- No law has been enacted to authorize installation of baby boxes in North Carolina.
- North Carolina is a Limited Home Rule State. As of this writing Ashe County and Gates County each installed a SHBB without an amendment to the state’s Safe Haven law. Other towns are considering city ordinances.
North Carolina Statistics
Number of Boxes: 2
Cases: 0
Legislation
See appropriate Legislative Year page for details on each bill.) 2025 is here; links to other years on that page.
2025
- SB 91: Amends the North Carolina Safe Haven law to authorize installation of baby abandonment boxes located at ERs, fire stations, and law enforcement facilities; specs for boxes, including annual state-inspection of the box. North Caroina is a Home Rule state and 2 boxes are installed there without state law
Hearings/Testimony/Letters
None to date.
News & Commentary
2023
- Ashe Sheriff’s office creates NC’s first instant surrender drop box, Winston-Salem Journal, February 10, 2023
- Funds raised for Kingston baby box, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, September 14, 20223
- Safe Surrender! Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, September 19, 2023
- Sylva considers Safe Haven Boxes, Smoky Mountain News, September 20,, 2023
- Sylva leaders pondering a “baby box” site for town, Sylva Herald, September 20, 2023
- Opinion: A measure that could save a child’s life, Smokey Mountain News, September 27, 2023
- Safe Haven Baby Box operational in Gates County, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, September 29, 2023
- Gates County installs baby box, second in NC, WAVY.com, September 29, 2023
2022
- Board of Commissioners adopt the Right to Life Resolution, approve Safe Haven Baby Box, Ashe Post & Times, January 11, 2022
- Sheriff’s office fundraising for Safe Haven Baby Box, Ashe Post and Times, February 3, 2022
- Baby Box dedication at the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office set for November 29, Ashe Post & Times, November 22, 2022
- A symbol of hope : Safe Haven Baby Box completed at ASCO, Ashe Post &Times, November 30, 2022
Updated February 20, 2025
