Because the fetus died in utero, “there is not a criminal statute that applies to it,” said police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock.

Medics and fire personnel were called to the 30900 block of 16th Place Southwest around 7 a.m. Wednesday, Schrock said. A 23-year-old woman had just delivered the stillborn fetus. Medics saw drug paraphernalia inside the apartment, Schrock said.

The fetus was still attached to the umbilical cord, but showed no signs of life. The fetus was delivered at 20 weeks – about midterm, Schrock said.

Medics tried to revive the fetus, but couldn’t, Schrock said. The mother was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. The fetus was taken to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. It ruled the fetus died in the womb from “maternal drug abuse,” Schrock said.

Schrock said police consulted with the King County Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecutor’s office determined there is no criminal statute that applies, Schrock said.

“The child never took a breath on its own. It never had life,” she said. “It was considered dead in utero.”

Because the woman won’t be charged in the death, police are ending their investigation, Schrock said. The News Tribune isn’t naming the woman since she wasn’t charged.

Steve Maynard, The News Tribune