Police search for mother of newborn found outside Canberra fire station

A newborn baby was found abandoned outside a fire station in Canberra, Australia, and police are urgently trying to find the child's mother.

Key Takeaways:

• A newborn baby believed to be less than 24 hours old was found outside a fire station in Australia's capital, Canberra.

• The baby is in good health, but authorities are concerned that the mother could be injured or in danger.

• They are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing that the mother will not face charges.

The Details:

Australian authorities are trying to locate the mother of a newborn baby who was found abandoned outside a fire station in the southern part of Australia's capital, Canberra. They have voiced concerns about the well-being of the child's mother and said they will not seek to prosecute her.

The newborn, estimated to be less than 24 hours old, was found outside the South Tuggeranong and Rescue fire station in the suburb of Conder shortly after 7 a.m. on November 27. Subsequently, paramedics rushed the baby to Canberra Hospital, where medical staff reported no apparent injuries and said the baby is in "good health." 

Spread the word: Desperate parents need to know that Safe Haven laws exist

“The baby was taken to hospital by ACT ambulance service paramedics and there were no visible injuries,” ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Alex Nicolson said.

Police have not determined how long the infant had been abandoned outside before being discovered. 

“However, what I can say is that the baby was left in a location where it could be cared for quickly,” Nicolson added. “Our sole concern is the health and wellbeing of the mother. I urge the mother to seek medical assistance.”

“Please go to a hospital, call an ambulance or the police,” the authorities begged.

To help expedite the search for the baby’s mother, ABC News said, “Anyone who witnessed or has dash-cam footage of people or vehicles at or near the fire station overnight and early this morning is being asked to come forward. Anyone with information about this matter should contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting 8228819. Information can be provided anonymously.” 

Zoom In:

ACT Fire and Rescue Superintendent Chris White said the discovery of the baby was unexpected:.

“I believe the crew became aware that there was a child outside when there was a contractor at the station who was undertaking some work on the station and they alerted the crew to the baby,” he said. “It's not a common occurrence, but they are trained in first aid, sought advice from the [ACT Ambulance Service] clinician and cared for the baby as best they could.”

This incident has ignited an outpouring of concern from the local community, with many voicing relief that the baby was found alive, and urging support for the mother, who may be experiencing considerable physical and emotional distress. 

Some Reddit commenters have highlighted that while fire stations are not officially designated locations to surrender newborns in Australia, the mother’s decision to leave the child in a public place instead of a riskier location can be interpreted as a sign that she hoped the baby could be found and taken care of. Many commenters voiced the need for non-judgmental support and access to counseling and medical services for women in similar situations.

For example, one person posted on the online Reddit forum, saying: 

I am proud that she made the right call to put her baby in a safe drop space rather than somewhere horrid like a bin. I hope she can find the help that she needs. She should not be demonised for not being able to look after a child.

The Bottom Line:

For years, pro-life advocates have emphasized designating safe areas for parents to leave an infant when they feel unable to care for the child — such as Safe Haven locations and baby boxes.

Australia does not have safe haven laws that allow a parent to anonymously surrender a baby without fear of prosecution, as every American state does. Two years ago, Tasmanian Labor senator Helen Polleyeen said she has been advocating for such laws for over a decade.