Indianapolis police are urgently searching for the mother of a newborn baby found abandoned in a wooded area late Thursday night.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department located the infant near a trail at Lace Bark Lane and Long Wharf Drive just before midnight on July 23, 2026.
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Emergency crews transported the baby to Riley Hospital for Children, where the child remains in stable condition.
Detectives expressed deep concern for the mother's well-being, as she may require urgent medical care after giving birth outdoors without assistance.
"We want to ensure she is safe and receives care," IMPD stated in a press release.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the mother or the incident to contact IMPD or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Safe Haven Law Provides Alternative
Advocates highlight Indiana's Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to legally and anonymously surrender infants up to 60 days old at designated police stations, fire stations, hospitals, or Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
Monica Kelsey, CEO and founder of Safe Haven Baby Boxes, emphasized the need for accessible surrender options.
"Any time a child is abandoned illegally, we have to look at, have we done enough in this state?"
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Kelsey said.
Since 2018, 33 infants have been safely surrendered in temperature-controlled baby boxes in Indiana, which automatically alert dispatchers when a baby is placed inside.
Kelsey explained that the boxes provide complete anonymity, allowing parents to surrender a child without facing judgment or shame.
Community leaders stress the importance of public education about these resources.
Linda Znachko, founder of He Knows Your Name ministry, expressed sorrow over the circumstances.
"I thought we were doing all the right things; mommas know they've got support through the Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the law, and then all of a sudden, it's a wake-up call that no, we need to do more," Znachko said.
"I'm sad beyond words that this mom would deliver alone outside in some trees," she added.
Resources on anonymous surrender procedures are available online at safehavened. org.
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Authorities continue to seek the public's help in locating the mother.
