NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Ed Butler, R-Rickman, proudly announced the opening of Morgan County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box on March 21. A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, anonymous location where a parent can safely surrender their newborn baby without fear of legal repercussions. Morgan County’s box is located at the […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Ed Butler, R-Rickman, proudly announced the opening of Morgan County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box on March 21.
A Safe Haven Baby Box is a secure, anonymous location where a parent can safely surrender their newborn baby without fear of legal repercussions. Morgan County’s box is located at the EMS station at 228 Flat Fork Road in Wartburg. This addition marks the 20th Safe Haven Baby Box in Tennessee, according to Safe Haven Baby Box representatives.
“I was honored to attend the blessing ceremony for Morgan County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box,” Butler said. “These boxes serve as a life-saving option, offering a crucial, anonymous lifeline for parents facing difficult circumstances. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to local leadership, Morgan County EMS, and all the individuals who worked tirelessly to make this Safe Haven Baby Box a reality. Special thanks also go to our anonymous donor, whose generous contribution will leave a lasting legacy of life.”
Butler crafted a new law in 2024 to designate 911 centers as Safe Haven facilities, expanding the network across the Volunteer State. After recognizing the need for Safe Haven Baby Boxes his district, he has advocated for these boxes to ensure parents have access to safe surrender options.
Tennessee law states parents are allowed to surrender their newborn within 14 days of birth to designated facilities like hospitals, fire stations and Safe Haven Baby Boxes. As long as the baby is unharmed and surrendered within this time frame, the parents will not be prosecuted and is assured of complete confidentiality.
Several other Safe Haven Baby Boxes can be found throughout the region, including Clinton, Rocky Top, Oak Ridge and Kingston. For a full list of Safe Haven facilities in Tennessee, visit https://secretsafeplacetn.org.
If you are a parent in crisis, you can call or text Safe Haven Baby Boxes hotline at 1-866-99BABY1, or 1-866-992-2291.
Ed Butler represents House District 41 which includes Overton, Morgan and part of Anderson, Fentress and Roane Counties.
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