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Newborn Found Outside Hospital Save Email Print
Posted: 7:29 AM Dec 13, 2007
 Last Updated: 7:02 PM Dec 13, 2007
 Reporter: Brenda Bryan; Amanda Barren
Email Address: brenda.bryan@wsaz.com; amanda.barren@wsaz.com
99 comments Photos
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UPDATE: West Virginia law says it's okay to drop a new born off at a hospital or doctors office, no questions asked.

A security guard at CAMC Women and Children's Hospital in Charleston found a baby wrapped in a shirt and blanket on a bench outside the hospital Thursday morning .

The baby was discovered around 6:15.

Charleston Police say it is an African American boy, 6 pounds, 20 inches long. He appears to have been born about a hour before he was discovered.

We're told the child is full term and healthy. His umbilical cord was still attached when he was found.

The baby had on a t-shirt that was big enough for a toddler and was wrapped in a beige blanket.

An investigation is underway on who left the baby outside the hospital. In fact, investigators main concern at this point is the physical well-being of the mother. If she is able, police are urging her to call them at 304-348-6480 or stop by the station.

Seargant Aaron James says he doesn't anticipate filing charges against the woman and though it's unimaginable, the good thing is the baby will be taken care of.

He also said "A thousand of things could have happened with this birth and I think it's fortunate that the parent of this child thought enough to leave the child where they could be discovered and taken care of."

The baby was taken care of at the hospital this morning and child protective services will take care of things from here.
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Posted by: Amanda on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:19 AM
I was watching the news and just seen where a girl had her baby and put it in a plastic bag. Then left it wherever and went to practice for something. THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD THANK THIS MOM FOR LEAVING HER BABY AT THE HOSTPIAL!!!! LET IT GO!!!
Posted by: how could you people take up for her.. on Dec 16, 2007 at 07:29 AM
Well this is the most frustrating article i've read in a lond time people upholding this woman.WHY!!she could have delivered that baby in a hospital.signed papers for him to be adopted and left and went on her merry little way..or she could have walked the baby in the hospital to the er and left..NOT OUT IN THE FREEZING COLD WHILE IT WAS RAINING ON A BENCH!! BABYS ARE VERY COLD WHEN THERE BORN yes I"m glad it wasn't a dumpster as so many put it..BUT STILL IT'S A LIVE HUMAN BEING WITH FEELINGS PAIN AND SMALL 3T SHIRT WASN'T ENOUGH TO KEEP IT WARM..OR PRON FROM PNEMONIA.IF PEOPLE DON'T WANT KIDS USE PROTECTION THAT WOULD SOLVE ALOT OF HOMELESS KILLED NEGLETED BABIES theres so many people who want them and can't have them and the ones who can could care less it makes me sick to see people taking up for a careless Inhumane person and apparently she did have kids already where would she HAVE GOTTEN THE 3T SHIRT THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE..IF SHE COULDN'T CARE FOR THAT ONE WHAT ABOUT HER OTHERS.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 01:48 PM
Why does the law say to drop them off and no questions ask , but you are looking for her and "anticipating" no charges being brought. If I followed the law and then they law is putting my information and searching for me ....well I would be able to keep my child because I would have plenty of money after suing them for posting my info and searching for me . I am highly against lawsuits , but she did as the law states. Find a good home for the child as she was trying to do and leave her privacy alone. The next young girl or woman this happens to may just put the child in a dumpster to keep her privacy. I thought that is why we have it to where they can leave the child in a safe place with no questions ask .
Posted by: Beth on Dec 15, 2007 at 01:27 PM
I just wonder if the father even knows???
Posted by: j on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:07 AM
It is wonderful to see a newborn given up under the right circumstances rather than the way so many others are killing them and tossing them away like garbage. Even though this mother was not ready for this baby, she still did the right thing to see to it that it was taken care of.
Posted by: Genevie Tomblin on Dec 15, 2007 at 10:19 AM
I think she did the right thing I have been trying to have a baby for about 4 years and I cant afford to adopt and I see people out there killing there babies and I sit and cry because I know how much I want a baby and cant and all these people that can and do are just killing them I thank god that this women whoever she may be is OK and safe tonight and that the police officers never find out who she was because thats best for the mother and the child God will show her the way and for the fact that so many people has already talked about aadopting him is great .....I think he should be adopted out ASAP because the first few days is when the child needs to connect to someone that is going to keep him my prayers are with the child and the mother ....
Posted by: Angie2 on Dec 15, 2007 at 09:36 AM
I hope no one never finds out who the mother is because that is what she wanted. No one in her life probably even knew she was pregnant and that's how she wanted things to be. There was a reason she didn't want no one to know, probably because the baby would have a better life this way, and she would too. Leave things be. No one knows her situation or her pain. If this is pursued there might be more trouble for her than anyone could ever imagine for whatever reason. Please don't judge her as there's only one who can do this. Just pray for her and the baby that they both live happy lives. She might have been a scared 15 year old girl afraid to tell her parents for all we know or a rape victim that didn't believe in abortion but not wanting to raise a child or mother with 4 kids already who couldn't afford another mouth to feed, who knows and I personally hope none of us ever find out....
Posted by: thankful on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:37 PM
people we need to thank r lord that she did take the baby to a hospitol and not a river i applaud her for that we need to pray for this lady or young woman and hope that she is ok she had some of her prioritys right the childs well being came first before hers
Posted by: Jess on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:16 PM
These stories kill me. I feel the reason the mother left the baby and is not wanting to reveal herself is because she knows that the media has their nose in everything. And is ready to make a story at her expense. She cared enough for the baby to leave it where she knew it would be found and cared for. I blam the media for many acts like this. Showing the "3T sized shirt" was not necessary. This is bashing the mother. After all this is not a man hunt. She could be a scared woman/girl. Lets just be glad the baby is okay and pray for its mother's life and let this story die.
Posted by: Grace on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Jesus was born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothing Good thing some of you folks wern't around to call social services on Mary and Joseph She did the right thing think of it as a Christmas Miracle :)
Posted by: kiki on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:23 PM
okay, I myself think the mom did the right thing, she left the baby at a hospital, it could have worse. She could have thrown it in a river like some moms do these days to their infants. So dont judge her, she had to have thought about it and what was best for her child. Don't the laws say that mothers can leave their babies here? Its safe isnt it?, and alive? I think you all should drop it, the baby is safe, and the mom knows what she done. Its not against the law. so stop looking for her.!
Posted by: jason on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:35 PM
You can bet that the next person will not take the baby inside the hospital...can you blame them? The safe haven law is to allow the person to be anonymous. Read WV Code section 49-6E. If she would have taken the baby inside she would probably be plastered all over the newspaper/tv
Posted by: camc employee on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:47 PM
shifts start at 7am... therefore employees start arriving around 6:30am, so someone would have found the infant, also the main doors don't open until 7am, BUT there is a buzzer to the security desk, how do we know she didn't hit the buzzer before she left. Just thank god the baby is safe and healthy, and thank god she brought it to a safe haven and not thrown it in the a dumpster or in a ditch like alot of babies are done. When you are scared you do some crazy things, atleast she was SMART enough to leave the baby at the hospital. Again the main thing is the baby is Healthy, so quit with the what ifs.
Posted by: Janet on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:59 PM
I agree with Terry.I sent a response on this yesterday also.It hasn't shown up yet.It was and ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.Fitting doesn't anyone agree with me?
Posted by: Melinda on Dec 14, 2007 at 03:34 PM
What this mother did was the most unselfish thing possible. It is too bad that young mothers do not use this option more often, although she could have taken him inside and left him. I believe it is a law that they are able to drop the baby off at a hospital, fire department, police station with no questions asked. I do not believe anyone should be investigating or searching for her. If she wanted found she wouldn't have left the baby. She will step forward if she wants to. Hopefully, she is alright and doing well physically and emotionally. Giving up a child must be extremely difficult. But knowing that the child could have a better life than you can give it and doing what is best for the child, is much better than killing him or aborting him in the first place. God Bless this mother and the baby boy. May they find happiness and peace. I will keep them in my prayers. Do not judge her, she made a difficult decision. Safe Haven law should protect her here.
Posted by: unknown on Dec 14, 2007 at 02:45 PM
I hope everyone well keep this baby in prayers.The mother may think she couldn't take care of this child. I think the mother was thinking with her brain. So I also think that we need to keep the mother in prayer.
Posted by: DiAnna on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:10 PM
pray for bay and mother,,my goodness she done right and we have a healthy ,alive baby,,some of the negative people on here,oh im sorry you all are perfect,,god bless mom and the baby
Posted by: unknown on Dec 14, 2007 at 12:01 PM
I THINK EVERYONE SHOULD BE PRAYING FOR THIS LADY OR GIRL FOR TAKING THE BABY TO THE HOSPITAL. MABY SHE IS A YOUNG GIRL AND DIDNT WANT HER PARENTS TO KNOW. WHO KNOWS SHE MAY HAVE GOOD PRAYING LOVING PARENTS. SHE MADE A MISTAKE AND DIDNT WANT TO HURT THEM. SO PLEASE DONT JUDGE HER. LEAVE IT IN GODS HANDS. LET HIM DO THE JUDGEING.WHO KNOWS MAYBE SHE WAS WATCHING FOR THE GUARD TO MAKE HIS ROUNDS
Posted by: unknown on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:49 AM
This is actually what people talk about, how silly to mention throwing the baby in a dumpster, she didn't, so why say it. She did the best she could do, left it where someone could find it. Let's be happy about that, this child will have a family now. She didn't take those few extra steps for fear of what is happening now, people trashing her. God bless this little baby and the person who wanted it to survive.
Posted by: stephanie on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:38 AM
thank god the baby ok and i hope the mother is ok i hope she tells the cops why she dd it
Posted by: Martha on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:25 AM
I think this is wrong. She brought him to the hospital, why not take the few extra steps and make sure he was with someone before you leave. What if that security guard hadn't found that baby than you know what he would have died. To me, Safe Haven or not, this is neglient. When I think of someone using the safe haven law, they personally take the child inside of the establishment. It may be true that she didn't throw him in the dumpster and let him die but she still left him outside, in the cold. So, apparently, you can throw your kid in the dumpster at the hospital and that would be okay because it is on the property. If the law says that all they have to do is take them to the hospital or where ever and not physicially hand the baby to someone, the law needs changed.
Posted by: Terry on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:17 AM
TO SHIRLEY....I too have commented on different stories but have never seen my comments on here.Apparently,if you express a sane and rational view,it doesn't make for good tabloid reading like you see here.
Posted by: Beth on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:15 AM
I commend the woman for leaving the baby at the hospital but not for leaving him outside in the cold! Does the Safe Haven Law need to be more specific?
Posted by: Ann on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Leave the mother alone, she did what she believed to be the best thing for the baby. Yes, she did leave the baby outside, in most cities people leave baskets on their porches just for this reason. At least she didn't do something terrible to the baby like most do these days.
Posted by: unknown on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:26 AM
HAVE ANY OF YOU EVER TRIED TO GIVE YOUR BABY UP? THE PAIN THAT MOTHER IS PROBLY GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW FOR DOING THAT IS MAYBE WAY WORSE THAN GIVING BIRTH JUST BEFORE. STOP PUTTING HER DOWN AND BE THANKFUL THAT SHE DIDN'T GET AN ABORTION OR LEAVE THE BABY IN A DUMPSTER. QUIT WITH ALL THE "WHAT IF" GARBAGE AND BE HAPPY HE IS SAFE. WE ARE NOT ON THE "WHAT IF" ITS ABOUT THE "WHAT ALREADY HAPPENED." I THINK THAT WAS A VERY RESPONSIBLE MOVE ON THE MOMS PART. IT TAKES A LOT.
Posted by: Concerned on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:19 AM
CAN'T EVERYONE JUST BE HAPPY THAT SHE DID WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS BEST FOR THE BABY? MAYBE SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF HIM AND THOUGHT THAT MAYBE HE WOULD BE SENT TO A GOOD HOME AND GET EVERYTHING SHE PROBABLY COULDN'T. JUST BE THANKFUL THAT THE BABY IS IN GOOD HEALTH AND CARE. I am praying for you, the mother of this baby, that you are ok. May God Bless you.
Posted by: lisa on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:06 AM
I think the problem here is a bunch of " what ifs" The baby is fine, the mother I hope is ok. So leave it alone. I wonder what Jesus would do? He would pat her on the head and say job well done my child. We as humans need to get over ourselves and leave other people alone. Judgement is up to the almighty!!!! My prayers are with all... Merry Christmas :)
Posted by: shirley on Dec 14, 2007 at 08:40 AM
I have posted several comments on news stories and I never see them displayed.I am an intelligent person and my comments are just as valid as anyone else.Who approves or disapproves of the comments made by the readers?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:36 AM
PEOPLE CAN YOU READ..... THERE IS NOT A WITCH HUNT AFTER THIS WOMAN. APPARENTLY NO ONE IS THINKING OF THE MOTHER AND HER WELL-BEING. THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR SOCIETY. BASHING THE POLICE SEEMS TO BE EVERYONE'S CONCERN, NOT THE MOTHER.
Posted by: Jim on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Although a bit callous, at least the baby was taken to a hospital. The alternatives left to the mother were many. Any life is precious and ensuring proper health care for a new born is so important. I agree there should not be any criminal prosecution for these types of acts.
Posted by: Suzanna on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:55 AM
Everyone needs to focus on that healthy baby and leave the mother her anonimity! If people insist on finding her, other mothers in her situation may decide it is not worth the embarrassment or trouble to sneak their infants to a safe place where they can be found and taken care of. Thank goodness we have this law!!!!
Posted by: Rachel McCormick on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:33 AM
QUESTION I would love to know how to get in contact with an adotion/WVDHHR agency, so I could find out where this newborn baby is now???? My husband and I have been married for 10 years and have PRAYED for a newborn. When I watched the news about this baby I couldn't sleep knowing this baby needed a home.
Posted by: Angie on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:58 AM
It would have been just as easy for her to take the baby inside and do the same thing. We have been having terrible weather. She could have called the hospital even and had a doctor or nurse meet her outside and get the baby. The wouldn't even had to have seen her face. She still could have come there to have the baby and got care to make sure she herself was okay and left right after without having a prolonged stay overnight and no one would have known the difference. Hospital has confidentiality rules and no one would have spoke a word. I'm glad she cared enough to leave the baby AT a hospital but she could have done more and she probably knows that by now but then again I don't know her situation to judge her but I do hope she's okay and I hope she doesn't get into any trouble over this and she can move on andn never have her name spread all over the news.
Posted by: Puzzled on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:31 AM
Aw come on. Saying she needs medical attention to coerse her into turning herself in?!?! If she knew that she couldnt afford to raise the baby, Im real sure she knows that she cannot afford the bill shes gonna be socked with by going for this medical care. Someone does the right thing by law and we still want answers? LEAVE HER ALONE! She had to give up a huge part of her life 2 weeks before CHRISTMAS. Dont you think that is enough? Did anyone try to condemn Mary for having her baby in a manger? Isnt that an unsanitary environment? If anyone really wants to help, offer to pay for her medical care for her. Believe me, If I could, I would. I know she did the right thing. SO should all of us. Peace on Earth...Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 14, 2007 at 01:03 AM
QUOTE: Posted by: Christi I ask the samething why the hunt for her? Law states that she can leave the baby no questions asked in a safe place. Let her be Answer: The news said that they are going to see if she is OK.
Posted by: Charlene on Dec 13, 2007 at 10:03 PM
Ok. Leaving the baby outside was not a good idea, but she was probably scared and in a hurry. Also, just by the amount of attention this has recieved I know that if she had taken that baby inside to turn it in she would have been questioned extensively by the hospital staff. I'm not saying the staff would be wrong, just that it is what the mother was obviously trying to avoid. I do have to give her credit for trying to do the right thing.
Posted by: Danielle on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:58 PM
This situation is new to our area yes, but sadly this is something that occurs everyday in other countries. Most of the adoptive children in China are found at market places, sad but true. If this mother cared about this baby enough to have him (in the 1st place) and then to leave him at a hospital (yes she left him outside but not everyone knows the p's and q's of the law on this matter), I'm certain she cared enough to sit in the parking lot until she watched someone pick him up and take him inside. I can understand someone that is unable to raise a child for whatever reason, leaving a baby in a safe area while trying to stay anonymous. She doesn't want her identity known and that is understandable. The police must do their job and pursue this lady simply because the baby was one hour old and the mother could run into complications. I am thankful we live in a country where the option to leave a baby in a safe area exists.
Posted by: brenda on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:16 PM
I think god this baby is alright.I also hope the mother is ok.Know one knows why she did what she did but her.So until we know the whole story lets not judge her.Lets just be thankful the baby is safe and hope she is as well.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 08:00 PM
This is sad, but at least it was left where someone could take care of the baby. As for the mother, we don't even know if the mother is alive so before anyone goes to jumping to conclusions we should stop and wait until the rest of the story comes out.
Posted by: Aggrivated on Dec 13, 2007 at 07:26 PM
To unknown they said the baby was born about ab hour before the baby was found the mother did not give birth in the hospital so there's no birth certificate I am just glad that the baby is safe and I hoep that the mother is ok May God be with both the mother and the baby!! People lets just be glad that the baby isnt in a trash can!!
Posted by: gayle on Dec 13, 2007 at 06:54 PM
well i am the grandmother of 5 ,all have the same mother, and all 5 have diff. dads the moyher has done of them,,my other 2 girls have them,the oldest is 12 years,the baby is 2 mo.,,the mother has been in jail 58 times ,but no one can do anything to her,its not right,and the 5 year old no one know where she is ,i would love to know ,and i pray she is being loved,we have the other 4
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 06:35 PM
smart momma. maybe she cant afford to raise the baby, and intelligently decided to give him up. unlike the rest of wv sucking money from the system, collecting foodstamps and laying on the couch.
Posted by: Carol on Dec 13, 2007 at 06:17 PM
what if a dog found that baby first? then it would have been a very different story. also, whats the difference between 90 degree heat on a church step and 40 degree cold rain on a bench outside? if it is not illegal then why didnt she take it inside? I am very glad to hear that the baby is healthy and doing fine.
Posted by: anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 06:06 PM
I personally think the mother should be charged when found. It may be different if she would have left him in the hospital and not OUTSIDE!
Posted by: BREE on Dec 13, 2007 at 05:09 PM
Well maybe the mother was young and at least she did not throw it in a dumpster or kill him! well I hope the baby is doing well. I think they need to leave the lady alone whoever left it because she tried to do the right thing and now the media is putting her on blast like she tried to kill the baby.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:35 PM
The law states inside the hospital not outside. That is considered abandoment. Would you leave your new born baby outside and hope someone would find them. I agree her well being is important but so was her newly born child with the cord still attached. Thank God the security guard found the baby when he did. Who knows what could have happened
Posted by: anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:24 PM
this is horrible the charleston police department looking for thei young lady maybe she couldnt raise the baby at least they didnt find the baby dead in a dumpster now this young lady prob doesnt want to come forward if it were me i would be horrified i say thumbs up to CAMC for no longer commenting and respecting the safe haven law of wv
Posted by: A Mother of 3 on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:20 PM
I am glad that the baby is okay and that the mother left her baby in a location where it could be found and cared for. I don't think their needs to be an investigation because she did leave him where he could be found. With today's economy and the job situation in West Virginia...maybe she had no way to care for her child. Now he can be placed in a loving and caring home.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:16 PM
It appears that the mother did the only thing she thought was right, she was unable to care for the child and was hoping that someone could give the child a better life than she could, other wise she would have harmed the child, from the 3t shirt, she has another small child which would mean she was already having a hard time making ends meet. She probably didn't mean to get pregnant but it happened. The child is safe and hopefully the mother is as well, anyone who's given birth knows it takes time to heal.
Posted by: green on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:13 PM
I'm glad she at least thought to take the baby to a hospital, but why not take him INSIDE the hospital? Yes, I guess she didn't want to be seen and assumed he would be found soon but we are talking about an infant here. It was a risk to leave such a young child out in the elements unattended for any amount of time. I am happy the baby is doing well and I hope the mother is okay.
Posted by: Christi on Dec 13, 2007 at 04:01 PM
I ask the samething why the hunt for her? Law states that she can leave the baby no questions asked in a safe place. Let her be
Posted by: Sarah on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:43 PM
People, true she have have left him at a hospital, but she left him outside. That's where she went wrong. She took all the time to bring him that far, why not a few extra feet and make sure that he was inside. What if that security guard hadn't walked by when he did, that baby would have frozen to death. Let me guess all of you people defending the mother's action would have been fine with that, because well at least she didn't leave it in a dumpster. You know the law may say she can do this but I also believe that it doesn't say that she can leave the baby near a hospital or church or whereever, I'm betting it says that the mother, has to hand the baby over and doesn't have to identify herself than. I think if prosecurters start charging people for this, than maybe the people would actually to the correct thing and take the baby inside and give it to someone. To me since she was not in the hospital, she abanded the child and should be charge with abandedment.
Posted by: Common Sense on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Had the mother actually given the baby to medical personnel, her welfare would not be a concern. However, not knowing if she is need of medcial care -- alive or dead -- is a concern. What would the police arrest her for? If you believe that they would then you have to believe that she did something wrong. If you are just anti-police then you probably believe anything negative about the police that you that you hear. Anyway, if the police look for her they are jack-booted thugs. If they don't and she's hurt then they are incompetent fools. Be careful what you wish for -- you just might get it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:21 PM
I agree with Melissa, the mom needs to be locked up, leave her out in the cold, who knows how long the baby was out there for, and to all of you all saying it's ok to do that.. how can u be saying that? It is not hard to take the baby some where safe and warm.. Lock her up!! I do not feel sorry for the mom at all!
Posted by: MomOf2OHIO on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:18 PM
I posted earlier about this story but after watching the video clip of the officer's interview I wanted to post again. I truly hope they are only searching for the mother to help her get medical care. You hear of so many stories of mothers killing newborns that they don't want to care for. Leaving them in dumpsters & trash cans. At least this mother had the courage to leave him in a safe place where he was found immediately & given the care he needs and deserves. Please just back off of this lady & lets focus on the fact that a healthy baby boy was born & is alove & well. I would bring him in my home in a heartbeat! God Bless
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:18 PM
How can there be a law that lets people leave babies?????? It is a horrible thing what was done..what if the security guard did not find this child? The cold weather could have a big hurtin on this baby too.. what is wrong with you people saying what was done is ok?
Posted by: amanda on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:16 PM
It the fact that she left it outside. The safe haven law means you can leave the baby inside a hospital, police station, etc. if the securtiy guard wouldn't have discovered this baby left in the cold and the rain it could have been very bad and the baby could have died! you are suppose to hand the baby over to someone, not questions asked. If you leave the baby unattended, you are still breaking the law! use common sense.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:12 PM
Im glad she didn't put the baby in a dumpster, but Im sure when the law was written it didn't mean leave the baby out in the cold and rain OUTSIDE of a hospital....thank God that the baby was ok...hopefully someone deserving will receive this baby with loving arms....I say leave the birth mother alone.
Posted by: Beth on Dec 13, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Good Grief Kudos to her, if you can not handle the job let someone do it who can. I would be scared too. There was a women I saw on CNN that walked her baby into a police station, they hounded her and asked her lots of questions. When she told them to forget it, she went to grab her baby, and they tazed her several times.
Posted by: Elaina on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Iam so glad the baby is all right.The mother did the right thing in my eyes.What she did had to be hard on her.But is better than the alternative.Where i live a woman but a baby in a home where no one lived.So i hope this mother gets in no troble for doing the right thing.
Posted by: unknown on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:35 PM
OK.. Yes she left the baby outside the hospital and not in a garbage can or worse kill it like a lot of infants are being killed these days... BUT if the women didnt want the baby then why didnt she just tell the nurse or a doctor instead of leaving the poor little baby outside in this horrible weather!... and its not like the nurses are not going to know whos the mother.. if they baby was just born then they should have a birth certificate... IF U CANT TAKE CARE OF A BABY THEN GIVE IT UP DONT LEAVE IT OR KILL IT>>>> that is the worse thing any1 can do........ What is wrong with ppl theses days
Posted by: Suzanne on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Please leave this poor woman alone. She has already had to make the toughest decision of her life. There is a Safe Haven Law that allows women to leave infants at hospitals, fire stations, etc... without being prosecuted. If you continue to try to locate her, other women will be less likely to leave their children at a hospital and may opt for a garbage dumpster instead. Imagine how you would feel if you thought this was your only option? I commend the mother for leaving the baby in a safe place, so that he may be placed in a loving home and I pray for her health.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:29 PM
No one is going to charge this female. Don't you think her well being is important?
Posted by: Tonya on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Atleast she droped the baby off at a hospital. She must of knew she could not take care of it. Now she is probly scared to death to come forward.
Posted by: Social Work Major on Dec 13, 2007 at 02:17 PM
In a society where abortion, adoption, and abandonment are so controversial and borderline, I commend this woman for doing what she did. Choices made by women who know that with their personal resources, and likely with the help of government resources, will be unable to properly provide for their child who then so choose to abort, adopt, or abandon, are shunned by their fellow citizens, no matter what their choice. Mothers who choose to keep their child and are unable to raise them according to the societal norm and/or utilize the government resources to the best of their ability are shunned or thought poorly of by fellow citizens. How many women, mothers, men, fathers, look at parents and families with disgust when children are unkempt, shoeless, improperly clothed, under nourished, and/or homeless, and/or utilizing WIC, Food Stamps, and/or clothing vouchers, only to make snide comments and utter disgust, instead of advocating for a better lifestyle for their fellow human beings?
Posted by: Bev on Dec 13, 2007 at 01:50 PM
How do we even know the mother is alive. How can we say SHE left the baby there. The grandparents, uncle, aunt or even father could have left the child. I know it's frustrating and confusing for most people to hear about things like this. But I can't help but feel for the parents in this case too. Maybe they did the UNSELFISH act of leaving their child. Maybe they are horrified by what they HAD to do. All that should matter now is the welfare of the baby AND the parents.God bless all the people involved including the security guard and the police. They see what happens when people make the wrong choices too. At least this baby was picked up from a bench alive. Not scooped out of the river or a garbage can.
Posted by: Nate on Dec 13, 2007 at 01:06 PM
God, Watch over this small child. Be with the mother of this child, whatever her reasons are, I beg that you look over her decision and give her strenght to come forward and get the help that she needs. We are thankful that she brought this child to the hospital, and we pray that it will be brought up in a nice loving, christian family. Thank you lord for putting the security guard in the right place at the right time. God Bless Mother and Child. Amen
Posted by: Vicky on Dec 13, 2007 at 12:39 PM
This is so sad, how could a mother turn her back on her own Child, her own flesh and blood, what reason would she have for doing this, there are so many people out in the world who can not have babies and then some one like this just leaves their child behind, The Child and the Mother will me in my prayers. God bless them both.
Posted by: Debby on Dec 13, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Duh, Vicki...she just delivered a child probable in an un-sterile environment and should have medical attention. And how you even say that she tried to do to do the right thing? The right thing would have been making the proper preparations, if she had choose not to keep the child! There are way too many services available for that to have been the Right Thing!
Posted by: Marsha on Dec 13, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Her actions are covered by the safe haven law.. maybe they want her to come forward because, just maybe, they are concerned for her health. There is the possibility of hemmorage, infection or many other things that can happen. Why is is that everyone wants to assume the worst from our law enforcement officers? No where in the article did it say that she did anything wrong or that she was being "hunted down". We push to get the safe haven law put in place, then complain and say that they did wrong and hope they are punished for following the law and doing the right thing. Also, to Lisa who saya that a lady was arrested for leaving her baby at a church... a church is not part of the safe haven law, it lists a hospital or health care facility, that is why she was arrested. I am thankful that this mother LOVED her child enough to do the best for it and leave it where she did. I also hope that she does come forward so that thay can make sure she is okay as well.
Posted by: Vicki on Dec 13, 2007 at 12:12 PM
According to the law in WV the lady did no wrong. She can leave a baby at a safe place and not be punished. Why the persuit for her. Stop the witch hunt or people will just start leaving babies in garbage bags. Someone tries to do the right thing and are still punished.
Posted by: Andrea on Dec 13, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Please let’s not turn this into a bad thing that the infants parents did. If only more people who were not able to take care of their children would do this, even the parents who don’t want their children. It’s far better leaving children at a hospital rather than putting them in a dumpster, shaking them to death or having an abortion. I commend the parents for what they did. I pray for the mother’s health.
Posted by: lisa on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Question? If she would call or stops by how can she be sure that you are not going to arrest her. The Goverment tells you to take your baby to a church, Hospital, or police and there will be no punishment. However this summer a Ladie left her baby at a church and then called the police from a payphone where my daughter works to tell them where she put the baby. The found her and arrested her. If you are indeed concerned about this mother you need to make sure that since she did the right thing that she will not go to jail..
Posted by: Beth on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:27 AM
I am glad that the baby is healthy and able to have a life. Even though she left it on a bench outside, she probably knew the security gaurd would find the baby. I am glad she did that instead of what so many others ended up doing when they didnt want their baby. I just hope the mother is alright and gets the help she needs.
Posted by: Debbie on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:26 AM
I'll take the baby, while never a good idea to leave a newborn outdoors at least she didn't throw it in a garbage can.
Posted by: unknown on Dec 13, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Maybe the woman is scared to come forward. Maybe she is afraid of what will be done to her. She did leave the baby and I don't understand how someone could do that but at least it was at a hospital and not in a dumpster! I am so happy that the child is safe and healthy. I will pray for the Mother and the child.
Posted by: Amy on Dec 13, 2007 at 10:27 AM
May God Be With the mommy and baby and let her be able to go to the police office and just let them know why she left the Child I hope that the mother is ok...
Posted by: anon on Dec 13, 2007 at 10:13 AM
The last time a woman left a bay at a "safe place" they pretty much launched a manhunt for her....I think that may make this woman a little scared to come forward. I hope they find this woman and that her and the baby are safe and healthy but I don't know how much faith I would put in her coming forward.
Posted by: Ashley on Dec 13, 2007 at 10:07 AM
I thought in WV you could leave a baby at a hospital and not be persued or punished. AM I wrong? I know a lady who went through something similiar in the summer in Ashland.
Posted by: Melissa on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:58 AM
WHY ??? This is senseless...Walk up to a Firestation and hand it to an actual person...What if an emergency wa sgoing on and the security guard was busy not able to make his/her rounds this baby coud have froze to DEATH before anyone found it... COME ON NEW "MOMS" you are not acting like mothers at least act like HUMANS
Posted by: Lynne on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:58 AM
It is sad that a mother felt the need to leave the baby but she probably did the best thing for her son. At least she didn't put him in a dumpster like some of these girls do. At least she loved him enough to see that he would be taken care of.
Posted by: A Loving Gramma on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Why are they looking for the person who left the baby? Does this not fall under the Safe Haven Law? The mother should be commended for caring enough to do what she felt was best for the baby.
Posted by: MomOf2OHIO on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Please God watch over that baby & find him a loving, safe home. I'm just thankful the mother didn't harm him.
Posted by: Rachel on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:40 AM
It is sad that a woman hould abandon her child- but Bless her for leaving the child where it would be cared for instead of leaving it in a dumpster to die. Whoever she is- thank you for seeing past yourself and doing the right thing.
Posted by: may I please raise this baby on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:39 AM
I can't understand why people do this, I will gladly take this little one in so that will be taken care of. My husband and I already have four boys, and are both professionals. I teach Kindergarten. People need to realize that there choices can be made prior to giving birth. I am glad the little one is okay.
Posted by: Trixie on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Why are people doing this for??? It sooo sad that people can just leave their baby.. and not even look back! I hope whoever did this gets locked up for life..we need a strick punishment on this.. too many people these days are doing such horrible actions! I am happy the baby is doing well..
Posted by: Deb on Dec 13, 2007 at 09:07 AM
I'm thankful to live in a state with this law. from www.childwelfare.gov West Virginia Child Welfare Infant Safe Haven Laws To better understand this issue and to view it across States, see the Infant Safe Haven Laws: Summary of State Laws (PDF - 341 KB) publication. Infant's Age Citation: § 49-6E-1 Less than 30 days old Who May Relinquish the Infant Citation: § 49-6E-1 Parent Who May Receive the Infant Citation: § 49-6E-1 Hospital Health care facility Responsibilities of the Safe Haven Provider Citation: §§ 49-6E-1; 49-6E-2 Perform any act necessary to protect the child's health and safety May not require the parent to identify himself or herself Notify child protective services Immunity for the Provider Not addressed in statutes reviewed Protection for Relinquishing Parent Citation: §§ 49-6E-1; 49-6E-4 The parent has the right to remain anonymous. Relinquishment to a safe haven is an affirmative defense to prosecution.
Posted by: Jennifer on Dec 13, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Thank goodness the baby is fine. My question is why are we having an investigation as to who left the baby? Isn't there a law on the books that allows mothers to leave their baby at a fire station, hospital, or police station? Maybe the mother left this baby without personally handing it over because we live in an area where everyone knows everyone and she knew that if she personally handed the baby over that her business would be broadcasted all over the hospital. At least this mother left her baby at a hospital and not in a trashbag on the side of the road. We should be happy for this and not be trying to find this innocent girl who evidently had her reasons for doing this. She left this baby anonymously for a reason and I really think that this will make young women think twice about safely leaving a baby at a hospital in the future if they realize that their identity could be revealed to the public. God bless this little baby, and thank you to the mother who did not harm it.
Posted by: norma scarberry on Dec 13, 2007 at 08:25 AM
my name is norma scarberry and i am a adoptive foster mommy and i just heard of this baby and i watn to know where you all sent it to and more on it couse i would like to give it a good home with my other two sons i adopted and my 4 children i had by birth so please let me know something soon thank you.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 13, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Is it not legal to leave a baby at a hospital??? Does the mother have to take them inside, or can they leave them outside in the cold and rain?? Just curious about this. I dont know the laws on this one.
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