Father questioned in death of newborn baby

A man was questioned by police in the death of his seriously ill newborn baby whom he had left at a shelter for abandoned babies in Guangzhou.

This is the first time that an abandoned baby has died in a safe haven in Guangzhou since they were established in December, Guangzhou Daily reported on Feb 25.

The abandoned infant girl had had difficulties breathing since she was born on Feb 22. Extra oxygen had to be provided to keep her alive at the daily expense of 3,000 yuan ($490). The mother, surnamed Zheng, said the couple couldn't afford that.

Her husband decided to leave their baby in a safe haven despite Zheng's objections, saying it might be the best solution.

The controversial safe havens are set up by governments or social welfare institutions to guarantee abandoned children's right to live.