Abandoned Newborn Found Naked In Queens Alley, Hospitalized
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Charges are pending against a Queens woman accused of leaving her newborn baby outside after giving birth.
Tears flooded Amanda Sancler's eyes as she learned the baby was found outside her neighbor's home on Sunday morning.
"That could have been my grandchild," Sancler told CBS2's Cory James. "It's so sad. It's very sad."
It happened in Richmond Hill outside of a multi-family home.
Authorities believe a 23-year-old woman inside delivered the baby boy on Saturday night.
Elyte Surhabali lives right next door and discovered the infant while taking out her trash.
"I heard a little voice, just like a cat," she said, "and I just looked and I see a baby and a pile of blood. I'm surprised and I'm shocked."
Police said the baby was naked, attached to his umbilical cord, and lying next to garbage.
"Whoever leave the baby outside ... it's wrong," Annette Ramlochan said.
The newborn was in critical condition after being rushed to Jamaica Hospital, police said. He was later transferred to Cohen Children's Medical Center.
Dr. Peter Silver is the medical director at the hospital. He said it is important to remind people of the Abandoned Infant Protection Act or Safe Haven Law that is designed to prevent situations like this.
"What that law states is that parents can anonymously turn over an unwanted baby, as long as they do it in a safe way and the baby is not injured, up to 30 days of age. Again, as long as the baby is cared for and somebody knows the baby is there," Silver said.
That can happen at a hospital, staffed police station, or staffed fire station, he added.
The person giving away the infant is also not required to leave his or her name.
Meanwhile, the woman believed to be the child's mother was taken into custody and to a hospital to be evaluated.
She has not been charged.
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