- March 12, 2026
Dear Editor:
As a mother and family nurse practitioner, I was deeply saddened by a recent tragic event in our community involving an infant. These heartbreaking situations remind us of the urgent need to ensure every family knows about the lifesaving options available under Florida’s Safe Haven law.
In my years working in family medicine, as well as my earlier experience as an RN in labor and delivery and the emergency department, I have counseled many young people facing unplanned pregnancies. While I firmly believe abstinence is the ideal way to prevent pregnancy, the reality is that crises happen, and young people sometimes need support and information to make safe choices.
Florida’s Safe Haven law provides a compassionate, legal and anonymous way for a parent in crisis to surrender an infant (up to 30 days old) without fear of prosecution, ensuring the child receives immediate medical care and a path to a loving home. Infants can be safely surrendered at:
• Any hospital
• Any fire station
• Staffed emergency medical services (EMS) stations
In addition, many locations now offer Safe Haven Baby Boxes — secure, climate-controlled devices installed at 24-hour staffed fire stations or hospitals. A parent can place the infant inside anonymously, triggering an immediate alert so responders provide care within minutes.
No one should ever feel they have no safe option. I urge all parents and guardians to openly discuss this law with teens and young adults. Having these conversations early, before a crisis arises, can prevent tragedy and save lives.
Resources are available to those facing an unexpected pregnancy or newborn crisis, and it is my hope that we can share this with our community. The number for the national Safe Haven hotline is 1-866-99BABY1. Together, we can ensure no infant is left in harm’s way.
Please note that these are my personal views as a concerned mother and healthcare professional, and they do not reflect the official stance of the Flagler County School Board.
Christy Chong
Chair, Flagler County School Board
