A San Antonio woman is in custody after giving birth in a Whataburger bathroom and attempting to push and flush her newborn baby girl down the toilet, authorities say.
Police report that two hours after Mallori Strait entered the Whataburger lobby, she went into the bathroom for a few hours. The restaurant’s manager checked on Strait several times after hearing noises from the stall and even offered her water. When concern for Strait’s well-being grew, the manager called the police, according to KSAT.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they were met with a tragic situation. Reports on the incident state a firefighter “had to physically grab the [baby]and pull on the [baby]to remove the body from inside the ‘U trap’ of the drain on the toilet.”
When being detained, Strait was reported to be uncooperative. However, the arrest affidavit reports one phrase she said: “I’m sorry. I’m not selfish.”
Mallori Strait and her daughter were taken to a local hospital, where her baby was pronounced dead. It was confirmed that Mallori was in her third trimester, around 28-30 weeks pregnant, meaning her daughter likely could have survived and been healthy with proper medical care. A doctor told police that the newborn’s injuries were “consistent with being forced into the drain, and by suction” from flushing the toilet. She has since been charged with abuse of a corpse.
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Join us in prayer for the healing and conversion of Mallori Strait, that the Lord would meet her and bring her to repentance and salvation. We also pray for everyone involved in this devastating situation, that God would comfort and protect their hearts.
Tragic stories like this are happening across America, even in the most pro-abortion states in America. Just a few years ago, California, an anti-Life state, led the nation in infant abandonment.
That poses the question: How do we decrease the number of infant abandonments, abortions, and tragic deaths like this across Texas?
This year at Texas Right to Life, our legislative team will be in Austin working to improve adoption and build a Pro-Life Texas. Nationally, less than 1% of unexpected pregnancies result in adoption, while over 40% end in abortion. Social stigma and systemic challenges often discourage women from seeing adoption as a viable and compassionate choice. It is frequently viewed as more harsh to make an adoption plan than to end the life of a preborn baby. That’s why it’s crucial to promote adoption through high school curriculum, CPS paperwork, and hospital resources.
We’re also working to ensure that only life-affirming organizations qualify for the Texas Thriving Families program. This program reimburses nonprofit pregnancy centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies for providing essential social services during pregnancy and up to three years after birth. These resources are vital and foster relationships and community that last a lifetime.
In Texas, there’s also the “Baby Moses” law, which allows parents who may not be able to care for their child to safely leave them at a fire station, hospital, or police station staffed 24/7, within 60 days of birth. In 2024, Texas welcomed its first Safe Haven Baby Box, offering a secure and anonymous option for parents in tough situations. Attached to a fire station, the box is temperature-controlled, padded, and continuously monitored. When the box is opened, a silent alarm alerts firefighters, who quickly respond and take the baby to a hospital for medical evaluation and care.
There are so many resources in Texas for pregnant women and new moms who feel like they need support, education, or a way to give their children a better life. By promoting adoption, improving funding for life-affirming resources, and educating the community, we can work together to prevent tragedies like this and offer hope to mothers and their babies. Let us continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, building a culture that values every life and provides compassionate solutions for those in need.
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