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 role do hospitals play in ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns, and how can protocols be improved to prevent tragedies like the one at the Favoriten Clinic?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Schmitt, Child Welfare Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Schmitt. The tragic discovery of the newborn’s body outside the Favoriten Clinic has shaken the community. What are your thoughts on the safety protocols in hospitals regarding newborns?
**Dr. Schmitt:** Thank you for having me. This incident raises serious concerns about hospital security, particularly in neonatal wards. While the initial reports indicate that kidnapping was ruled out due to stringent security measures, this emphasizes the need for hospitals to continuously evaluate and enhance their protocols. Every newborn’s safety must be prioritized, and we need to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas.
**Interviewer:** Investigators have not confirmed any admission from the mother regarding the circumstances of her child’s death. How do you view the legal implications, especially in relation to Section 79?
**Dr. Schmitt:** The legal framework regarding infanticide and the mental health of mothers is complex. Section 79 stresses the consequences of a mother who kills her child during or immediately after birth, but it also raises questions about maternal mental health. If a mother is struggling emotionally or psychologically, it should be taken into account. We need a more compassionate approach that addresses the root causes of such tragedies and provides support for vulnerable mothers.
**Interviewer:** The police are conducting an investigation, and there are indications this case may involve deeper psychological issues. What support systems should be in place for mothers in distress?
**Dr. Schmitt:** There must be robust emotional and psychological support systems available for mothers, especially during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth. Hospitals should have mental health professionals accessible to new mothers to provide counseling and support during what can be an overwhelming time. Additionally, community programs that offer resources and education about mental health and parenting can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
**Interviewer:** How can communities better support mothers to avoid such heartbreaking incidents?
**Dr. Schmitt:** Community support is crucial. This can include programs that promote mental well-being during and after pregnancy, peer support groups, and easily accessible resources for families. Encouraging open discussions about mental health and motherhood can help remove the stigma and empower mothers to seek help when needed. It’s essential to create a culture that prioritizes the well-being of both mothers and children.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Schmitt. It’s certainly a complex issue, and we hope this tragedy leads to more awareness and better support systems for mothers in need.
**Dr. Schmitt:** Thank you. Let’s hope for positive change moving forward.
