Sen. David Gallegos with the Martinez Family and baby Michael, who was placed in a Safe Haven Baby Box in Belen in 2024 and adopted by the Martinez family in 2025. Courtesy photo

New Mexico Senate Republicans News:

SANTA FE — Senate Republican Caucus Chair David Gallegos (R-Eunice) introduced necessary legislation (SB 206) on Jan. 30 to ensure the protection of women who may elect to anonymously place their newborn child in a ‘Safe Haven Baby Box’.

If passed, this legislation would alleviate potential legal exposure that local communities throughout New Mexico have cited as the primary reason for opposing the implementation of these life-saving devices.

To date, there have been four confirmed babies surrendered in New Mexico Safe Haven Baby Boxes with new devices being installed in various communities around the state. Notably, these devices are already available in: Belen, Española, Hobbs, Carlsbad, Alamogordo, Roswell, Grants, Farmington, Bloomfield, Anthony, and Bernalillo. There are plans for Albuquerque to receive its first box in the near future.

To restate, the key component of this necessary legislation is the guarantee of privacy and anonymity of any mother who decides to surrender her child in a Safe Haven Baby Box. Only in specific circumstances of neglect or abuse would a person be investigated after using one of these devices.

“It is truly my honor to champion this life-saving legislation for the people of New Mexico,” Sen. David Gallegos said. “Despite previous opposition from lawmakers in the majority, I think we have the final piece to the puzzle that should be widely supported and would allow for Safe Haven Baby Boxes to be installed in every county throughout the state. I appreciate the Governor’s continued support of this commonsense legislation. When you see these innocent children happy, healthy, and welcomed into their new families, it’s proof that Safe Haven Baby Boxes are modern-day miracles.”

Sen. Gallegos concluded, “New Mexico has the opportunity to take meaningful action in order to prevent another child being discarded and killed in a dumpster. I hope my fellow legislators do the right thing and collaboratively work to get this to the Governor’s desk.”

Jonah Borjas, the first baby surrendered in New Mexico (Hobbs). Courtesy photo