An American student in Paris allegedly threw her own newborn baby out of a hotel second-story window. The baby was quickly rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The woman, who received treatment at a local clinic, was then arrested.
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According to the Daily Mail, the unnamed 18-year-old woman "unexpectedly" gave birth to her baby at an Ibis Styles hotel room in Paris. At around 6 a.m. on Monday, people witnessed in horror as the baby violently crashed into the Parisian street. Allegedly, the woman threw the infant out of the second-story window moments after giving birth. The baby, reportedly, still had their umbilical cord, left uncut.
"There were police cars and ambulances," Maria, a local neighbor, told CNN. "We thought it might be gang-related, but when we learned what had happened, we were devastated. I've lived here for over 30 years, and it's a quiet neighborhood with very few tourists. It's so sad."
The baby was wrapped in a sheet and first responders rushed the infant to Hospital Robert Debré. Unfortunately, the newborn was pronounced dead on arrival. The impact of the fall killed the baby. The mother, meanwhile, was also transported to the same hospital where her newborn baby was pronounced dead. She was treated and later placed under arrest.
An investigation is underway by local authorities.
Investigation
The prosecutor's office has been tasked with investigating the incident, possibly a case of homicide of a minor under the age of 15, reported CNN. The office also confirmed that the mother of the newborn child was traveling through Europe alongside friends.
The woman traveled through Europe through EF Gap Year, a Massachussetts-based organization according to The Associated Press through the National Post. In a statement shared with the AP, Adam Bickelman, an EF Gap Year spokesman, addressed the incident.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with everyone affected during this difficult time," Bickelman said. "We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation. Counseling support has been offered to all group members, and we are extending our support to the impacted families."
Local authorities are considering the possibility of denial of pregnancy. According to News Medical, denial of pregnancy happens when a woman is unaware or unable to accept her pregnancy. Among the complications stemming from pregnancy denial are distress of mind, abuse of the fetus, neglect of the newborn, and, worst of all, killing the newborn.
