On Friday Teresa Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. She is accused of leaving her newborn son to die after giving birth at a motel, potentially causing major health risks, or death. This alleged situation is something organizations and state officials want to avoid.

"Just call any responsible party. Police, fire, take [the] child to [a] hospital, anything like that where you're going to get somebody else directly involved," said Lt. James Nenni, Town of Newburgh Police. 

The Abandoned Infant Protection Act gives parents a safe option for their child.

  • According to the state law, a parent can abandon a baby up to 30 days of age under conditions 
  • The parent does not need to give their name
  • If the parent leaves the baby with an appropriate person, or in a suitable location (i.e. hospitals, police stations, fire departments) 
  • The child cannot just be left without immediately notifying a person of the child's location

"There are plenty of places that you can go that will not ask any questions; [that] will basically take care of the baby first and foremost. The baby's health and welfare have to be considered in these situations," said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler.  

Although the silver lining in this local case is that the baby boy survived, this is not the case for every child. Officials ask anyone who is thinking about abandoning their baby, to look and see there are better options.