Mom accused of leaving newborn in trash; baby later dropped off at hospital, authorities say

DETROIT — A Michigan mother is behind bars after prosecutors said she gave birth and left the newborn baby girl in a trash can.

According to WDIV and WJBK, Jennifer Kayla Woodard, 23, of Highland, is facing charges of assault with intent to murder, child abuse and abandonment, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said Thursday.

The news came one week after Woodard gave birth to the child at an acquaintance’s home, investigators said. The acquaintance discovered the infant in the trash and took her to a nearby hospital, where she was left with a stranger entering the building, the news outlets reported.

The baby, whose umbilical cord had not been clamped, was cold and suffered enough blood loss that she needed a transfusion, authorities said. Details about the newborn’s condition were not immediately available, WDIV reported.

Authorities arrested Woodard on Sunday, according to the news outlets. Her bond was set at $50,000, WDIV reported.

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Cox Media Group