US state introduces unwanted baby drop-off box

A “safe haven baby box” facility allowing parents to anonymously “drop-off” unwanted new born babies has been introduced in Indiana.

The box is accessed from the exterior of the Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department building by the parent and is padded with climate control inside.

Emergency staff are notified when a baby is placed in the box via a security system and can get to the infant within minutes.

Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organisation, will pay for the first 100 baby boxes. Each box costs between $1,500 (£1,030) and $2,000 (£1,400).

Monica Kelsey, founder of the Safe Haven Baby Boxes and an advocate for baby boxes in Indiana for a number of years, said the scheme is benificial as some people want total anonymity and yet know the baby is safe.