Chiayi County, Taiwan (October 19, 2025)— A shocking case of infant abandonment was discovered early this morning, October 19, in Liujiao Township, Chiayi County. Police and firefighters responded to reports of a dead newborn found inside a private residence. Upon arrival, responders confirmed that the baby—believed to be newly born—was already deceased and was not transported to the hospital.
Authorities identified the suspected mother as an Indonesian migrant worker who was reportedly on vacation. She had taken a taxi to Kaohsiung to visit a friend but later went out of contact. After an extensive search, police arrested the woman at Chiayi High-Speed Rail Station later that evening. She was brought back to Liujiao Police Station for questioning on suspicion of child abandonment, as investigators work to determine her motives and the exact sequence of events.
Investigators revealed that the newborn male infant, with his umbilical cord still attached, was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed inside a burlap sack, which had visible traces of blood. The baby was confirmed dead at the scene and was subsequently sent to a funeral home for an autopsy under the supervision of the Chiayi District Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities aim to determine whether the baby was stillborn or died after birth—a finding that could affect potential criminal charges. If evidence shows the infant was alive at birth, the case could be elevated to homicide.
The Chiayi County Social Affairs Bureau stated that it has coordinated with the police and child protection officers to follow up on the case. Because the baby’s body alone cannot confirm the mother’s identity, officials are verifying her background and legal status. Should it be confirmed that she is indeed a foreign migrant worker, the Labor and Youth Development Department will provide counseling and support concerning maternity and labor rights during pregnancy.
The Social Affairs Bureau added that it will also coordinate resources for the baby’s funeral arrangements and assess whether the mother may have violated the Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act.
Authorities emphasized the importance of seeking help from social welfare agencies, hospitals, or local government offices for those facing crisis pregnancies, reminding the public that abandoning a newborn is a serious criminal offense under Taiwanese law.