By Brittney Matejka

Where can unwanted newborns be placed anonymously in Medicine Hat?

Dec 28, 2017 | 4:49 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – Police in Calgary are still looking for answers after discovering a deceased newborn in a parking lot on Christmas Eve.

CHAT News reached out to a number of different agencies to find out what options are available for a mother who felt she couldn’t care for a newborn in Medicine Hat. No agency had a clear answer as to where a child could be left anonymously in our city. Many facilities are operating on holiday hours and were not able to provide further information.

Ellen Webb client care coordinator with the Nurture Pregnancy & Family Support Centre, said women with unexpected pregnancies can be agitated and at a loss when looking at options for their child. She explained there could be other factors at play.

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“Sometimes there is mental issues that are involved,” she said. “It makes things more stressful for them and they get anxious or panicky.”

Staff Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer with the Medicine Hat Police Service said in his 18 years of service, he has never encountered a situation of an abandoned newborn in Medicine Hat. But, he said if a situation arose and a mother felt she she no other option, a police station could help.

“We operate 24/7, the Police Service would welcome any unwanted child with open arms,” he said. “We would let them in and we would get a hold of Child and Family Services and get the appropriate resources to help us out.”

Sadlemyer explained even though the station door is locked on weekends and evenings, someone could ring the bell and dispatch would send someone right away.

CHAT News will be following this story into the New Year.