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Baby dumping: It's happening!

Jan 30, 2019

Baby hatches have come under fire from some quarters, for allegedly encouraging pre-marital sex.

However, Pn Noraini Hashim, a Trustee with the Orphancare Foundation that operates baby hatches has defended them. 

She says such hatches are the final safe option for desperate mums.

"I think in most religions having babies out of wedlock is a big sin. So when they do have a baby out of wedlock, they usually have no one to turn to. And quite often, these girls, when they find themselves in that situation, even the boyfriends run off. So they are left alone in these circumstances, and they obviously cannot go to their parents. I think a lot of them think they will be disowned or they won't receive the help that they require."

Sex education could help combat baby dumping and abortion cases in the country.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh told us teenage girls, who want to give up their babies, should not be ashamed or scared.

"If you come forward to get help. We, the government, must help you. After you give birth, you can put the child up for adoption. JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) will look after your baby, you don't have to worry. Ideally they should go back to school and graduate."

Watch our series on abandoned babies on the Astro Radio News Facebook page, to find out why baby dumping is happening and how to address it.