Mom Severs Umbilical Cord, Baby Dies

FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say a Florence woman has been
charged in the death of her fetus after medical personnel
determined the umbilical cord had been intentionally severed.

30-year-old Jennifer Darlene Johnson was being held today on
$50,000 bond. A court official said she didn't have a lawyer.

Police say Johnson was about seven months into her pregnancy
when she was taken to Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield Friday
night. She said her water had broken and she was experiencing pain
and bleeding. Police said the fetus was dead when delivered at the
hospital.

Police said the umbilical cord was severed at the home of
Johnson's boyfriend in Florence. They said the boyfriend, whose
name was not released, drove her to the hospital after realizing
something was wrong. Jackson was released Sunday, but was taken
into custody a short time later on outstanding traffic tickets.

Johnson, who has two children living with their father, was
being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)