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Funeral Held For Baby Abandoned Last April

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Dozens gathered at an Avondale church on Friday, for the funeral mass for a baby abandoned in a gangway last year.

The tiny white casket carrying the body of Baby Angel Antonio received a police escort, with two officers serving as pallbearers.

About 50 people attended the funeral at St. Hyacinth Basilica, including the baby's grandparents, who did not want to speak publicly.

Susan Walker, founder of the group Rest In His Arms, said the baby, who lived for only days, deserved the attention. The child's body was found in a gangway in the 2700 block of North Hamlin Avenue last April

"He had been left in a plastic Walmart bag, and today we were able to bury him in silk and satin," she said.

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Jim Skaar, a board member with Rest In His Arms, said he hopes the funeral will draw attention to the fact parents may leave healthy newborns at police stations, hospitals, and firehouses, up until a child is one month old.

"The more we can educate the public about the Safe Haven Law, the less we'll have to have these funerals," he said.

Supporters said, in the last 14 years, 106 infants have been legally relinquished in Illinois under the Safe Haven Law.

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