How could a mother abandon her newborn, so innocent and vulnerable, to die alone? At the same time, though, Baby Doe is about what appears to be a horrific crime, one that is largely misunderstood although easily explained by those who think they already have all the answers. Dr. Barnes is brought in to serve a similar role in Gail’s defense, but is rejected by the judge and not allowed to testify. Dichotomies like ‘œgood mother and bad mother’ are reassuring because they are simple. Baby Doe shows that there is nothing simple about it.