A pro-life organisation in Indiana is installing "baby boxes" for mothers who are considering abandoning their newborns.
Each box is temperature-controlled and padded. When a mom opens it, a call is automatically made to 911. When a baby is placed in the box and the mom shuts its door, it automatically locks and a second call is made to 911, according to LifeSite News.
Paramedics are then tasked to arrive within three to five minutes to take the baby to a hospital. Indiana's Child Protective Services will then take custody of the baby.
The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organisation was founded by Monica Kelsey, who was abandoned by her mom after she was born.
The organisation sponsors baby boxes placed outside state fire stations.
"As a child who was abandoned by my birth mother two hours after I was born, I am honoured that Christ has me spearheading a programme that will save the lives of abandoned children. This is truly in His honour!" she said.
Two baby boxes have been installed in Woodburn and Michigan City.
Indiana's Knights of Columbus aims to sponsor 100 boxes in the state with each box costing $2,000 each.
All U.S. states have "safe haven" laws which have saved hundreds of babies.
"In Arizona they have been using 'Baby Drawers' for 10 years, with great success, saving babies from abandonment by giving women complete anonymity. There have been countless lives saved by their programme," Kelsey said.
Indiana's Safe Haven Law gives a mom 30 days after giving birth to give her baby to authorities.
"There are options, and abortion does not need to be one of them," said Shawn Sullivan of the South Bend (IN) Life Center.
However, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) officials recommended that the baby boxes not be installed due to safety issues.
ISDH spokesperson Jennifer O'Mally told the Indianapolis Star that a study by child health experts said "there are no standards or protocols that can ensure the safety of children placed in these devices."
But Kelsey said the baby boxes have been tested and improved to comply with safety standards.
