Two iconic maternity homes in Kaunas, Lithuania, have recently closed, leading to uncertainty surrounding the availability of baby boxes where parents can safely abandon infants. According to the state Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, since the establishment of baby boxes in 2009, nearly 100 children have been left in these facilities, though several have been reunited with their parents. The latest baby box was opened in the Health Center of the Kaišiadorys district in November 2025 following a notable case involving an abandoned newborn, highlighting the continued necessity for such services.

The closure of the maternity homes corresponds with a broader trend of restructuring healthcare services in the region. The latest baby box establishment was made possible by a donation from the LSMU Kaunas Hospital, and it stemmed from a response to a distressing yet ultimately positive incident where a newborn was left at the hospital's doorstep. As of now, Kaunas has only one operational baby box, located at the Christian Maternity Home, while the other institutions have been announced for reorganization. This raises pressing questions about the adequacy of child protection measures for vulnerable families in the city.

Community members, local officials, and child welfare advocates are increasingly concerned about the implications of these closures for children’s welfare and the support available for parents in crisis. With alterations in healthcare infrastructure and the reduction of maternity services, it is crucial to monitor the accessibility of baby boxes and similar support systems, ensuring that safe alternatives remain available for parents making difficult decisions regarding their newborns.