Mother arrested after giving birth to infant with heart defect and impaired vision: Police

An Idaho mother is confronting a serious charge after giving birth to a baby with a heart condition and non-functional eyes, authorities report.

Rose Smith, aged 26, from Idaho Falls, is alleged to have tested positive for methamphetamine post-delivery. She stands accused of using the substance during pregnancy.

Court records accessed by local media outlet East Idaho News assert that she was accompanied by a man during the birth in August 2025, who confessed to law enforcement that he used meth before arriving at the hospital. Smith, however, maintained she didn't partake.

The records seen by East Idaho News indicate that hospital staff frequently reminded Smith and her companion to feed and care for the newborn, yet they allegedly continued to neglect these tasks.

On August  31, custody of the child was removed from Smith and her partner, as per the court records. 

Days later, authorities learned that the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, alongside an Idaho Falls police officer, had visited Smith's home to remove another child under her care, according to the documents.

Following the child's birth in August, Smith and her companion were ordered to undergo drug testing, but they failed to comply. 

Health officials returned to Smith's residence on September 25, noting poor living conditions characterized by a strong unpleasant smell and garbage strewn about.

Besides the state of the home, fecal matter was observed on Smith and her companion, as noted in the court records. 

Smith was questioned again about the newborn's health, and she reportedly minimised the child's medical issues.

Detectives state that Smith eventually confessed to using meth while pregnant during a follow-up discussion. She was arrested this month, facing charges of felony injury to a child.

Smith secured her release from jail by posting bond on March 23. No charges have been filed against the man present at the birth.

Smith's preliminary court appearance is set for April 10.