Baby 5-6 months gestation was 'intentionally discarded' in Texas

The body of a preborn baby was found in a park in Lewisville, Texas, and police say the child — estimated to have been about five to six months gestation — was left there intentionally.

Key Takeaways:

• A resident reported the tragic discovery of a deceased baby on the shoreline of Lewisville Lake on Friday morning.

• The baby appeared to have been between five and six months' gestation at the time of death.

• It is not yet clear if the baby was born alive.

The Details:

The Lewisville Police Department reported that the body of a preborn baby was found on the Lewisville Lake shoreline. A resident found the baby while walking on the shoreline and called to report it. Police responded, and the baby was estimated to be between five and six months' gestation, meaning the child may have been old enough to survive outside the womb.

Babies born as young as 21 weeks (five months, one week) have survived when born prematurely.

Currently, police do not know if the baby was born alive or was stillborn. According to WFAA, the baby was "intentionally discarded at the lake."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Craig Holleman by emailing cholleman@cityoflewisville.com or by calling 972-219-3620. Anonymous information can also be shared with the Denton County Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-388-TIPS.

The Big Picture:

Every state has a Safe Haven law that allows parents to voluntarily relinquish a newborn. In Texas, parents can anonymously surrender a baby 60 days old or younger to a hospital, fire station, or emergency medical services station.

Another option for parents is a Safe Haven Baby Box. Currently, there is not one in Lewisville, but there are boxes installed in over 20 states, with multiple locations in Texas. These provide parents the opportunity to surrender their baby without having to fear a face-to-face confrontation. Typically installed in a fire station or hospital, the boxes have doors that open on both sides, and the inside of the box is climate-controlled. When an infant is placed inside, an alarm alerts emergency officials to retrieve the baby immediately.

The Bottom Line:

The goal of Safe Haven laws and baby boxes is specifically to prevent tragedies like this most recent one in Texas. When someone feels desperate and unable to parent, they have the opportunity to surrender their baby safely and without consequence, rather than abandon them and potentially cause the child's death.