'Deeply tragic situation': Deceased 'late-term fetus' found in Virginia pond, police say

A deceased "late-term fetus" was found Monday in a Virginia pond, leaving local police to investigate the discovery further.

Leesburg police were alerted around 4:33 p.m. by a community member who saw the fetus in the pond. Officers secured the area while emergency crews took the fetus to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia for an autopsy, Leesburg police said in a news release.

"This is a deeply tragic situation," Leesburg police Chief Thea Pirnat said in the release. "We urge anyone with information to come forward, not just for the sake of the investigation, but also to ensure that those in need are provided appropriate medical attention and services."

March of Dimes, a nonprofit addressing maternal health, preterm birth and infant death, defines "late-term" as a baby born between 41 weeks and 0 days, and 41 weeks and 6 days.

Leesburg police urging the public to help

With many questions remaining, Leesburg police are "urging anyone with information about this case to come forward and assist with the investigation."

"The investigation is being treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity," the department said in the release.

Police told USA TODAY on Thursday that there are no further updates and the department is waiting for the medical examiner's report.

Virginia Safe Haven Laws an option, Leesburg police say

Leesburg police said resources are available for community members "who may find themselves in distressing situations," according to the department.

One resource includes options for "the safe and anonymous surrender of newborns under the Virginia Safe Haven laws," police said.

Virginia's Safe Haven laws permit parents to surrender their unharmed infant if the child is 30 days or younger, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. The child would then be given to a staff member at a designated "Safe Haven location," which includes hospitals with 24-hour emergency services and attended EMS agencies, the department said.

"The law provides protection from criminal and civil liability in certain criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings for parents who safely surrender their infants," the department said. "The law allows a parent to claim an affirmative defense to prosecution if the prosecution is based solely on the parent having left the infant at a designated Safe Haven location."

The National Safe Haven Alliance is also an option that can help a parent determine what to do with their infant, according to the department.

 Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com