Investigation underway for newborn found dead in North Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An investigation is underway for a newborn that was found dead Friday morning in North Portland.

Police responded to North Fenwick Avenue and Argyle Street around 11 a.m. after receiving reports that a dead infant had been seen in the area, officials said.

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The cause of the baby’s death is unknown. A medical examiner is expected to perform an autopsy this week, according to the Portland Police Bureau.

PPB’s Child Abuse Team also responded to the scene.

Though authorities provided little information about the death, a spokesperson from PPB said this is a good opportunity to remind the public of Oregon’s Safe Haven Law. The law states that a parent may leave an infant who is two months old or less with “an agent, employee, physician, or other medical professional working at an authorized facility,” according to the Oregon Health Authority.

The facilities where an infant is allowed to be dropped off include a hospital, a doctor’s office, a birthing clinic, a police station, a sheriff’s office or a fire station. The parent is also not required to provide identifying information about themselves or the infant. In such a situation, the parent may not face any criminal penalties if the infant is 60 days old or younger, doesn’t show any signs of abuse or neglect and is handed to someone working at the authorized facility.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

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