Police in Longueuil on Montreal’s South Shore have released a 33-year-old woman from custody under certain conditions following the discovery of a newborn in a bus shelter on Monday morning. The woman is receiving physical and psychological support and is under the supervision of appropriate resources. She may have to appear in court if charges are pressed against her. The baby was found in the bus shelter on Chambly Road near Briggs Street, still attached to the placenta and exposed to cold temperatures. Paramedics reported that the baby was unconscious and required resuscitation before being taken to the hospital. The woman was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Authorities have not confirmed if the detained woman is the infant’s mother; however, there is a possibility of infanticide charges being brought against her. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing to establish the necessary evidence for potential charges.
Although it has not been officially disclosed that the woman is homeless, a local shelter named La Halte du coin, located near the bus shelter, mentioned that the woman had used their services early that morning. The shelter’s director, Pierre Rousseau, stated that the woman arrived at around 3 a.m. and fell asleep in a chair at the warming center. Staff noticed something unusual when she got up a few hours later, prompting them to alert the authorities.
Another incident of a newborn being found in the city occurred recently when a baby was discovered on a doorstep on Bourgeoys Street, also in Longueuil. Medical efforts to resuscitate the infant were unsuccessful. Dr. Marc-Antoine Pigeon, an emergency room physician at Charles-Le Moyne Hospital, was part of the medical team involved.
In certain parts of Europe, some U.S. states, and certain Canadian provinces, there are baby boxes or drawers available as safe locations for individuals who wish to abandon a child. When asked about implementing such measures in Quebec, Dr. Pigeon emphasized the importance of ensuring quick attention and care for newborns in distress. Quebec’s minister responsible for social services, Lionel Carmant, highlighted existing support services for individuals facing similar situations, urging them to seek help through local resources such as CLSCs or youth protection services.