Baby found in trash can at Valley school

Authorities are looking into possible child abuse charges against a 14-year-old girl who dumped her newborn baby into a trash can at Osborn Middle School.

Police were called to the school, at 11th Avenue and Highland in central Phoenix, about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

"An employee of the school had been coming into the school, and at a garbage can outside [he/she] found a baby boy with an umbilical cord attached," said Phoenix Police Sergeant Andy Hill.

Police said there is evidence that the child was delivered on campus.

Some students think they know to whom the baby belongs.

She was about four or five months [pregnant]," said one student.

"I believe that the baby was premature," said another student.

A third quoted the mother as having said she planned to keep her baby and raise it.

Phoenix firefighters said the baby was full-term.

Firefighters tested the baby's Apgar score, which is a quick way to determine if the baby needs any immediate special care. Apgar, used as a mnemonic device, commonly stands for: activity, pulse, grimace, appearance and respiration. The test was developed in 1952 by pediatrician Virginia Apgar.

The baby - a boy - is healthy and receiving medical attention at St. Joseph's Hospital. Authorities said they have located the mother and are questioning her.

There is a safe haven law in Arizona, meaning that a baby can be delivered to a church, hospital, police or fire station with no questions asked.

John Bechler with the school district said kids are taught about the safe haven law.