On September 20, police in North Austin made a shocking discovery. A newborn baby, with the umbilical cord still attached, was found crying inside a dumpster at an apartment complex on North Lamar Boulevard. Temperatures that afternoon were dangerously high. If two people hadn’t heard the cries and called 911, this child might not have survived.

Thankfully, the baby is now safe and receiving care. But the fact remains: a newborn was left in a dumpster when there was a safe, legal alternative. Under Texas’ Safe Haven Law, parents who cannot care for a newborn can surrender the baby at a hospital, fire station, or police station without fear of arrest or prosecution. This law exists to prevent exactly this kind of tragedy — yet many people do not know about it, or are too afraid to use it.

This was a close call. Next time, a baby might not live. We cannot wait for another tragedy before acting. Austin, Travis County, and Texas leaders must do more to make sure every parent in crisis knows about Safe Haven protections. That means putting clear signage in hospitals, schools, and community centers, funding public awareness campaigns, and training first responders to share this information whenever possible.

Parents under extreme stress or fear may make desperate choices. It is our responsibility as a community to make sure those choices never put a newborn’s life at risk. Every baby deserves a safe start, and every parent deserves to know they have a safe, legal option.

We are calling on Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, and Austin city leaders to immediately expand Safe Haven education and outreach. No more newborns should be left in dumpsters, alleys, or parking lots because parents don’t know where else to turn.

Sign if you agree Austin and Texas must urgently expand Safe Haven awareness to protect newborns.