OVIEDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
A baby is being cared for at a local hospital, after the parent dropped off the newborn at a fire station.
It was around 5 o'clock Tuesday evening when firefighters had a very special call, after a baby was dropped off at the Oviedo Fire Station. It was a rescue that came wrapped up in a bundle, at the Oviedo Fire Department.
"The newborn was healthy, was crying, was in good physical condition," said Fire Chief Lars White. "I was talking to the parent a little bit and providing reassurance and comfort to them."
Under the Safe Haven law, a parent is allowed to drop off a newborn at a hospital or fire station, no questions asked.
"It's not up to any of us to pass judgment on anyone," White said.
Since Florida legislators passed the law in 2000, 173 babies have been left at the aforementioned locations.
White, who serves on the board for the Safe Haven foundation, says this is the second baby to be dropped off at the Oviedo Station. Last year, a baby was left at the Lake Mary Fire Station.
"It's critical they remain anonymous, otherwise they're not going to feel compelled to come to a fire station or go to a hospital."
Prior to the law being passed, Chief White tells us that too many newborns died, because they were placed in inappropriate locations. Even if a parent drops off their child, they have time to change their mind.
"They still have an opportunity to reclaim the newborn, up to 30 days. A judge would render that decision, so the law was carefully crafted."
Rescuers took the baby over to a local hospital to be checked out. An adoption agency will then get involved.
"I'm happy for the parents, because they made a difficult decision, I think they made the right decision."
Parents are allowed to drop off babies that are 7 days old or younger.
Since our segment first aired, people have been calling FOX 35, expressing an interest in adopting the newborn; however, under the Safe Haven Law, a couple has already been pre-approved.
If you would like to be placed on a waiting list, contact the Children's Home Society at 1485 S. Semoran Blvd., Suite 1448 in Winter Park, or by calling 321-397-3000.
