Remains of five newborn babies found at home in southern France

PARIS, France — PARIS — French media reported that bone fragments and the decomposed body of five newborn babies were discovered at a home in the southern city of Orange. The find was made after the woman's husband became concerned about his wife's late-term pregnancy and searched the house, according to the Carpentras public prosecutor's office. The prosecutor's office said the husband uncovered boxes containing the remains of five babies the woman had concealed from previous pregnancies. The woman had recently given birth at home unexpectedly and was taken to hospital, prompting her husband to question her birth history, the statement added. Orange Hospital was notified, and the hospital then alerted police. Le Parisien reported that a criminal investigation has been opened into the killing of a minor under 15 years of age. France Info cited the prosecutor's office in its reporting. Sources familiar with the case suggested the woman may have experienced pregnancy denial, a recognized medical and psychological condition. No further details were immediately available about the woman's condition or potential charges.