This article was updated at 4:20 p.m.
The location was a waste container on Kundratstrasse. The arrested mother of the infant, who was only around a week old, is now being investigated on suspicion of murder, the police announced on Friday afternoon.
The baby disappeared from the hospital’s neonatal ward shortly before noon on Thursday. A nurse noticed this and raised the alarm. A large-scale search operation at night, including dogs and a drone, initially yielded no findings. The Vienna Health Association (WIGEV) pointed out on Thursday that there was no free access to the ward.
Not least because of this, suspicion may have initially focused on the immediate family environment and especially on the mother. The 30-year-old Austrian citizen was also questioned that night and may have ultimately told investigators where her child could be found.
According to police spokeswoman Anna Gutt, the girl’s body was found around 10 a.m. When the woman was questioned, there were indications that the infant could be found outside the hospital premises. This was already likely on Thursday because the search of the hospital grounds yielded no evidence of the baby. After the overnight interruption, the police started searching the area around the clinic, which ultimately led to the dead child.
Investigators ruled out kidnapping from the start
From the outset, investigators ruled out the possibility of the baby being kidnapped. This was due not least to the security measures in the hospital, which means that it is hardly possible for people outside the hospital to gain access to the ward. So far there is no confirmation from the police that the woman has explicitly admitted to dumping her daughter. She is still under strong suspicion of murder. The investigators tend to rule out the possibility that Section 79 – killing a child at birth – may also be a possibility. The paragraph reads: “A mother who kills the child during birth or while she is still under the influence of the birth process shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to five years.”
The cause of death was also unclear on Friday morning. The baby is undergoing an autopsy and the results are not expected to be available until the next few days. Around two hours after the body was found, the crime scene investigators from the State Criminal Police Office were still busy working on clues. The location on Kundratstrasse was cordoned off for eleven car lengths.
Concern for the hospital and hospital operator
The employees of the Favoriten Clinic and the Vienna Health Association (WIGEV) reacted with concern: “Unfortunately, today we had to learn that the missing baby was found dead outside the Favoriten Clinic. The police investigation into the background to the crime is still ongoing. What happened “Our employees who actively supported the police in the search are all deeply affected. They will receive psychological support if necessary,” said Michaela Riegler-Keil. Medical director of the clinic.
What were the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the baby from Favoriten Clinic, and how did police determine the cause of death?
**Title: Reflections on a Tragic Incident at Favoriten Clinic**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent tragic event involving the newborn found near Favoriten Clinic, what are your thoughts on the situation?
**Guest:** Thank you for having me. It’s a deeply distressing situation. The loss of any infant is heartbreaking, and it raises significant concern for the hospital, the healthcare staff, and the community. The circumstances surrounding the baby’s disappearance and subsequent discovery are alarming.
**Interviewer:** Police have ruled out kidnapping as a possibility due to the security measures in place at the hospital. What does this imply about the investigation?
**Guest:** It suggests that investigators are focusing heavily on the family environment, particularly the mother. With limited access to the ward, it raises troubling questions about the mother’s actions and her state of mind. The fact that she is under strong suspicion of murder indicates the seriousness of the situation.
**Interviewer:** The authorities mentioned that the mother may have indicated where the baby could be found. How does this fit into the investigation narrative?
**Guest:** This is crucial information. It shows that she might have some involvement in the events leading to her child’s death. It’s often the case that emotional distress and psychological factors play a role in such tragedies. The investigation will likely explore these elements as it unfolds.
**Interviewer:** The hospital staff and management have expressed their shock and concern. What impact do events like this have on healthcare workers?
**Guest:** Such incidents can have a profound emotional impact on healthcare workers, especially those who are dedicated to caring for vulnerable individuals like newborns. They may experience trauma and guilt, questioning what more could have been done. Providing psychological support for the staff, as the hospital is doing, is essential for their recovery and to help them process the event.
**Interviewer:** what steps do you think should be taken to prevent such situations in the future?
**Guest:** It’s imperative that hospitals review their protocols for security and patient monitoring. There must be careful assessments of the mental health of new mothers, particularly those who may be at risk of postpartum complications. Enhanced support systems within healthcare facilities can also play a critical role in identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities before tragedy strikes again.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights on this difficult topic. It’s crucial that we understand these events to foster healing and prevent future tragedies.
**Guest:** Thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable.
