Montana’s First Safe Haven Baby Box Blessed at Lockwood Fire Hall

LOCKWOOD – Montana’s first Safe Haven Baby Box was officially blessed yesterday at the Lockwood Fire Hall near Billings, marking the culmination of several years of advocacy work by pro-life organizations.

Chief Brandon Stevens opened the ceremony as dozens gathered to witness the milestone. The event featured Monica Kelsey, founder and CEO of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, who shared her personal story that inspired the non-profit organization.

“I had been abandoned at birth, and didn’t want to see others have to go through the same trauma,” Kelsey told the crowd. She discovered at age 37 that she had been conceived in rape and abandoned two hours after birth when she met her birth mother.

How the System Works

While Montana has had Safe Haven Laws for years, the previous system required mothers in crisis to meet first responders face-to-face to surrender their children. The new baby boxes eliminate this barrier by allowing anonymous surrender.

Each climate-controlled box features sensors that detect when a child is placed inside. An orange bag contains optional forms for mothers to provide medical or contact information. Once a baby is placed, the exterior door locks for safety, and three separate alarms immediately notify first responders.

“Within minutes the baby is retrieved through an interior door, and undergoes an immediate medical examination,” according to the report from Montanans for Life chair Robin Sertell, who attended the blessing. “Most babies who are surrendered in the boxes are adopted in under a year.”

Missoula Installation Next

Missoula is slated to receive the next baby box, following advocacy work by ProLife Bitterroot to educate the public and solicit donations. Each box costs $16,000 plus installation fees and an annual maintenance fee of $600.

Anonymous donors have supplied funding for both the Lockwood and Missoula boxes, according to Sertell.

State Funding Secured

Montanans for Life has worked with the legislature to secure grant money for eight additional boxes across the state. Rep. Sherry Essman, who carried the original bill allowing the boxes in the 2023 legislative session, spoke at the Lockwood event.

In the 2025 session, Rep. Randyn Gregg sponsored legislation to provide grant money for the additional eight boxes, which has now been signed by Gov. Gianforte. Details on accessing the grant money are still being determined.

Outreach Efforts Planned

With the installation complete, advocates are now turning their attention to ensuring mothers in crisis know the option exists. When asked about publicity at the event, Kelsey said she would favor placing a billboard to advertise the box’s location.

“It’s no use if no one knows it’s available,” Sertell noted, indicating that awareness efforts will be the next priority for the organization.

The Safe Haven Baby Box program represents a technological advancement to Montana’s existing Safe Haven Laws, providing what supporters describe as a more accessible option for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.