Student identified as mother of abandoned baby

Canadian Press, February 6, 2007

SASKATOON An 18-year-old student living alone didn't know where to turn when she gave birth to a baby girl she left on a neighbourhood doorstep hours later.

The young woman came forward late Monday evening Read More .. than 48 hours after the newborn was found by the owners of the Saskatoon home.

Authorities said the mother does not have any family in the city.

"She was clearly without support; she was feeling isolation and confusion," Staff Sergeant Kirby Harmon said today.

"Clearly she was upset."

Staff Sgt. Harmon said the mother, who is pursuing post-secondary studies, delivered the baby on her own at home.

"She kept [the pregnancy] a secret and, of course, she is from out of town so it was very easy to keep it from family," he said.

"She's here attending school and isn't close to her family and comes from a difficult background. As a result of that, family was unaware of her pregnancy and she was able to hide it by wearing loose clothing."

The baby was born as much as six hours before it was dropped off at the home, Staff Sgt. Harmon said.

The young woman told police she chose the house because she saw lights on inside, heard a dog barking and felt comfortable that the baby would be found quickly on the frigid morning.

The child was wrapped in a towel and comforter. She was found Saturday by Ed and Lee Anderson as the temperature dipped to -29 C.

It's not clear if the mother will face charges.

Staff Sgt. Harmon said there are "a wide number of charges that are possible," but it will be up to the Crown to determine if any should be laid.