Newborn Baby Girl Found Wrapped in Blanket on Near West Side

The infant was left overnight and discovered just after 3 a.m. near Nazareth Family Center in the 1100 block of North Oakley, police said

A newborn baby girl with her umbilical cord still attached was found wrapped in a blanket just steps from a Near West Side Chicago medical center Tuesday morning, police said. 

The infant was left overnight and discovered just after 3 a.m. near Nazareth Family Center in the 1100 block of North Oakley, police said, and appeared to have just been delivered by her anonymous mother.

As of 5:30 a.m., the newborn was being treated at Saint Mary's Medical Center before being transferred to Lurie Children's Hospital, officials said. She was said to be healthy and in good condition.

Nazareth Family Center is adjacent to Saint Mary’s hospital in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood. 

The Illinois Safe Haven law allows parents to anonymously drop off babies at hospitals and police and fire stations, but under the law the baby has to be handed over personally to a staff member. Criminal charges could be pending, although authorities say it is unlikely as it looks as if the mother was trying to do the right thing.

Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, as police are searching for the mother to find more information.

The Department of Community and Family Services is expected to assume custody of the infant. If the birth parents do not return within 60 days, the newborn will be legally put up for adoption.

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