A newborn baby has died in Chicago after its mother, 15, gave birth inside Aldrige Elementary School on Wednesday, October 28. Police were called to the school in Riverdale around 3 p.m. where the infant was pronounced dead by authorities.
The sex of the child was not disclosed. Detectives from the Calumet Area are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the birth and the baby's death. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office has scheduled an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The 15-year-old mother was transported to Comer Children's Hospital and is reported to be in good medical condition. Authorities have not released her identity or further details about the baby.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that infants born to mothers under 19 have a higher mortality rate in their first year of life compared to those born to women over 20. A 2024 CDC report noted that mortality rates were highest for infants of females younger than 15, although rates have declined for infants of women aged 20-24. Leading causes of infant deaths include congenital malformations, issues related to premature birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, unintentional injuries, and maternal complications.
It remains undetermined why the girl was at the elementary school prior to giving birth, or the specific events that led to the baby's death. Inquiries have been made to the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County medical examiner's office, and Chicago Public Schools for comment as the investigation continues.