WASHINGTON — The Prince George’s County Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the mother of a baby abandoned on Wednesday morning.

The newborn baby girl was found outside around 11:45 a.m. near a home in Beltsville, Maryland, according to a news release. A neighbor on Shoal Creek Terrace heard the baby crying and called 911.

The child is being cared for at a local hospital, the release states. She appears to be in good health and doctors say they believe she was born shortly before she was abandoned.

Maryland has a Safe Haven law that allows mothers to leave their newborns at a hospital, fire or police station without being prosecuted. The purpose of the law is to protect babies who may be abandoned by mothers who may fear prosecution for doing so.

Anyone who may have information that could help detectives track down the mother is urged to call 1-866-411-TIPS. You will not have to give your name to the call taker.