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Child Protective Services releases photographs of a baby who was found abandoned shortly after her birth. They need help finding her mother.
HOUSTON - A baby who was found abandoned inside a plastic bag outside a northwest Harris County apartment complex has been released from a hospital.
A woman called 911 when she found the baby outside the Stonegate Villas Apartments on Grant Road near Jones Road about 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
The baby still had about 3 inches of her umbilical cord attached and was in good condition, officials said.
"Somebody had already cleaned up the child before placing the child on the curb," said Sgt. Gordon Trott of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
The baby was taken to Texas Chldren's Hospital for care. On Monday, the baby, now named Chloe, was released from the hospital. She will be placed with a foster family.
Child Protective Services officials said they don't know why the baby was abandoned the way she was. Texas law allows anyone to drop off a newborn at a hospital or fire station with no questions asked and no legal ramifications.
"The law allows you to leave a baby an infant under 60 days old at a fire station, EMS, a hospital -- all you have to do is hand the baby over," said Gwen Carter with Child Protective Services.
Deputies are searching for the woman who delivered Chloe. She may face a child endangerment charge, which is a felony.
Anyone with information about Chloe's mother and/or the person who abandoned the baby is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Women who are in crisis and have thoughts of abandoning their baby are urged to call 1-877-904-SAVE.
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