NYC Doorman Rescues Abandoned Newborn, Mother Arrested

In a dramatic early morning rescue, a New York City doorman became a hero after discovering an abandoned newborn on West 23rd Street near 10th Avenue in Chelsea, situated under the iconic High Line. The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when the doorman, on duty at a high-end apartment building, heard cries echoing through the quiet streets. Investigating the source, he was shocked to find a newborn baby wrapped in a blanket, still with its umbilical cord attached, lying alone on the sidewalk. Despite the circumstances, the infant was alert and responsive.

Swift Action and Community Response

Reacting promptly, the doorman rushed to a nearby EMT station for assistance. EMTs Mia Chin and Patrick Feimer quickly responded, ensuring the newborn received immediate medical attention. They transported the baby to Bellevue Hospital, where medical staff confirmed the child was in stable condition.

Legal Ramifications

Subsequently, police arrested Ayatta Swann, 37, of Manhattan, charging her with child abandonment. The arrest underscores the severity of abandoning a child and the legal consequences that follow such actions.

Supportive Legislation

The incident also highlighted the significance of New York's Abandoned Infant Protection Act, which allows parents to safely relinquish newborns up to 30 days old at designated locations like hospitals, police stations, or firehouses without facing criminal charges. This law aims to protect vulnerable infants and ensure their prompt access to medical care and support.