A newborn died in November. She still hasn't been buried and her mom won't respond.

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Nearly 10 percent of babies born in the U.S. are born prematurely and the rates of preterm birth are going up, a new government report shows. Also more low birth weight babies were born last year than in previous years. Nearly 10 percent of babies born in the U.S. are born prematurely and the rates of preterm birth are going up, a new government report shows. Also, more low birth weight babies were born last year than in previous years. With half of all U.S. births covered by Medicaid, these rates would get even worse if Congress cuts back on the program. Medicaid covers 75 million people, including nearly 36 million children. The United States has much worse rates of infant mortality, preterm birth and low birth weight babies than other industrialized countries. Wochit

Her last name is Oder. She did not live long enough to receive a first name.

On Nov. 28, the baby girl was born at home one day shy of 24 weeks. When she was brought with her mother by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital, she had no heartbeat. She was declared dead "within minutes," said Daryl Zornes, an investigator with the Hamilton County Coroner's Office.

Since that time, Zornes has been trying to send her back home to her mother.

The day before the birth, the mother came to Good Sam. She had told authorities in Dearborn County, Indiana, that her boyfriend had hit her and thrown her to the floor. She wanted to make sure the pregnancy was OK. There were no signs of trauma, so nurses sent her home, Zornes said.

But she also tested positive for heroin, Zornes said.

She delivered at her home the next day and came back to Good Sam. The baby was pronounced dead.

The baby's body was sent to the coroner's office for an autopsy and toxicology. Those reports are not yet available.

Now authorities do not know where the mother is.

Zornes and his office have searched for the mother, leaving voicemail after voicemail for her.

There has been no reply.

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The coroner's office is asking for any family and friends to come forward with information to help get Baby Oder a proper resting place. 

It's not out of the ordinary for someone's remains to be left with the coroner's office. But Zornes says a newborn left behind is rare.

"We just want someone to step forward," he said. 

To contact Investigator Daryl Zornes, call 513-946-8703 with information.

Anne Saker contributed.