Illinois State Representative Adam Niemerg announced on April 29 that several locations in his district have been designated as ‘Baby Safe Haven’ sites. These locations include the Paris Fire Department, the Paris Police Department, and Horizon Health Edgar County Hospital.
The announcement is significant because it aims to provide mothers in crisis with safe places to leave their babies if they have no one else to turn to for help. Niemerg said, “We have all heard the horror stories over the years about babies being found in dumpsters and if mothers in crisis had only had a safe place to leave their babies, imagine how many lives could have been saved.” He added, “Thank you to the Paris Fire Department, the Paris Police Department, and Horizon Health Edgar County Hospital for accepting this designation of ‘Baby Safe Haven’ for moms who may not have anyone in their family they can turn to for help but need a safe place to take their babies.”
Niemerg was elected as a Republican representative to the Illinois State House in 2023. He represents the state’s 102nd House District after replacing former state representative Darren Bailey, according to Ballotpedia.
The new designations are intended as part of broader efforts within Illinois and across other states to ensure that infants are not abandoned unsafely and that families facing crisis situations can access needed support.
Observers say these measures may help prevent tragic outcomes involving newborns while providing resources for parents who feel they cannot care for an infant.
