Second Infant Surrendered at Abilene's Safe Haven Baby Box

ABILENE, TX — An Abilene fire station sprang into action after an infant was safely surrendered in its safe haven baby box.

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, firefighters with the Abilene Fire Department were alerted when the safe haven baby box alarm rang out as someone had surrendered a child. 

After the infant was medically checked, the child was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for further testing.

Officials involved did not release any details about the infant.

In a release, the Abilene Fire Department stated:

“This morning, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Safe Haven Baby Box was utilized at Abilene Fire Department’s Station 7 located at 431 North Pioneer Drive. Upon the box alarm notification, crews immediately removed the baby from the box. A preliminary health assessment was done on the baby, and it was transported to the hospital by ambulance, as is our protocol, for further evaluation. More information will be made available as soon as it is possible.

"As a reminder, the purpose of the Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 7 is to be a designated location for the safe and anonymous reception of surrendered newborn infants."

This is the second time this year a safe haven baby box has been utilized in Abilene.

In Texas, the Safe Haven Law allows parents to legally surrender uninjured infants without any criminal charges. Of course, there are requirements to legally use the boxes which are:

• The child is 60 days old or younger
• The child has not been abused or neglected and appears unharmed
• The surrender of the child is voluntary
• The parent does not intend to return and reclaim the child

There is only one safe haven baby box in Abilene, while San Angelo does not have one.