Missouri now has 13 baby boxes statewide.
The newest one was dedicated on Thursday at the Cole County EMS building in Jefferson City.
Governor Mike Keho, First Lady Claudi Kehoe and Cole County EMS Chief Eric Foy at baby box dedication in Jefferson City. Photo by Missourinet reporter Matt Pilger
Baby boxes allow parents in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender a newborn, knowing help is just seconds away.
Gov. Mike Kehoe spoke during Thursday’s dedication and said the focus of baby boxes isn’t on social issues—but on saving lives.
“This really just gives that young woman who doesn’t know where to turn an option that’s safe, that makes sure that baby has an opportunity to grow up in a loving home,” said Kehoe.
He told the crowd he remembered being there when the very first baby box opened in 2023 at the Mehlville Fire Protection District in south St. Louis County.
“It was good to be at that dedication a couple of years ago,” said Kehoe. “And within months, there was a young lady who, as the chief said, didn’t have a choice, didn’t want to be embarrassed, wasn’t sure where to turn and look for refuge for her baby in that baby box.”
Cole County EMS Chief Eric Hoy said it may not meet a current demand—but it provides an added layer of protection for families in crisis.
“An option we don’t expect or hope to use frequently, but it is an option of last resort,” said Foy. “It’s a quiet, anonymous option for someone who may feel they have nowhere else to turn. Someone who may be in crisis, overwhelmed, or afraid.”
Parents can anonymously place an unharmed newborn 90 days old or younger inside a baby box, close the door, and leave, with first responders alerted immediately.
Each box costs about $16,000 to install and is funded through a mix of state support and local or private donations.
So far, three newborns have been safely surrendered in Missouri.
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