In Khmelnytskyi, the court issued a verdict against a mother who threw her newborn in the trash: details of the case.

In Khmelnytskyi, a woman was tried who gave birth to a boy at home and then took him outside, after which he was found in the trash. For this, the citizen was given a certain punishment.

This was reported by 'Suspilne Khmelnytskyi'.

Details of the case

According to the materials of the case, on the evening of January 15, 2025, a newborn boy was found near trash bins on Ternopil Street in Khmelnytskyi. The infant was alive and was hospitalized to the city children's hospital. On the fifth day, doctors assessed the child's condition as stable, and three weeks later — as approaching satisfactory.

The police identified the child's mother — a 36-year-old local resident. According to the investigation, she gave birth to her son at home, wrapped him in a towel, and, putting him in a plastic bag, took him outside. Soon, the woman was hospitalized with postpartum hemorrhage. After stabilizing her condition, preparations were made for her discharge.

The police opened a criminal proceeding under part 2 of Article 135 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The woman was informed of her suspicion of leaving the newborn in danger.

The boy was given the status of a child deprived of parental care and was placed in a state institution.

On March 11, the first hearing was supposed to take place in Khmelnytskyi District Court, but it was postponed — the suspect arrived with two minor children. The preparatory hearing took place on March 21, at which the court scheduled the indictment for consideration on the merits.

On March 31, the woman refused an attorney. She explained her action by stating that she hid her pregnancy due to fear of social condemnation. During the hearing on May 5, the court questioned witnesses. The hearing on May 29 was postponed due to the absence of a representative from the children’s service, and on June 16, witness testimonies continued.

More than a week ago, on July 25, the court heard the last witness and scheduled the date for the court's verdict announcement — July 28.

Court Decision

The Khmelnytskyi District Court found the 37-year-old woman guilty of leaving a newborn child in danger and sentenced her to two years of probation. This decision was announced by Judge Svitlana Danykova on July 28.

As the judge noted in a comment to 'Suspilne', the punishment was mitigated due to a number of circumstances, including the presence of two minor daughters in her care. The court took into account that the woman raises the children alone since the father is missing, and if she were imprisoned, the girls would be left without maternal care. Therefore, the court made a decision to allow both children to live with their mother.

The defendant refused any comments after the verdict was announced. Whether she will appeal is currently unknown.

In connection with this court decision, one can see the problem of social responsibility and the fight against crime, which determines the negative consequences of involving the woman in criminal liability for leaving a newborn child. The court’s decision, which was mitigated in view of the defendant's difficult family situation, raises questions about the balance between punishment and social support for children. Proper attention and proven assistance in such cases can help prevent similar situations in the future.