Abandoning babies have not been a new phenomena. It has happened since ancient times, including Hindu puranic times and biblical times. Except in such cases, these abandoned babies were adopted and by kings and royalties and they grew up to not only become great leaders but are remembered to this day for their contributions.

In current times, abandoning babies and the death of such babies are continuing not only in Malaysia, but also in advanced countries like the United States and United Kingdom and throughout most parts of the world.

How do we deal with this phenomenon? What do we do to ensure that given the stress levels of today’s society, such problems do not become rampant? How do we prevent unwanted pregnancies?

Those who abandon babies are usually mothers in crisis situations. They are mothers who live in insecurity, in fear and in seclusion. These are mothers who hide their pregnancies. They are mothers who, throughout their pregnancies, are facing emotional crisis and lacking support of family members and friends. There are also those who abandon their babies in a moment of panic.

Firstly, the government has to look at long term solutions. It should set aside adequate funding to deal with the problem. It should look into proactive outreach programmes that educate and help in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Secondly, government measures should be taken to ensure that the message reaches out to the women in trouble. Personnel should be trained and systems should be set up to be on the lookout for these mothers in very discreet ways. Awareness and a committed approach to the problem can at least see a reduction in statistics of abandoned babies.

A good approach is to set up a system by which these ‘mothers’ can be dealt with anonymously. Counselling and assistance should be channelled anonymously. Anonymity should be guaranteed.

Thirdly, the mothers should be encouraged to deliver their babies in safe places. For those who are ‘planning’ to abandon their newborn infants, safe heavens should be accesible. These can be LPPKN clinics, government primary health clinics, district hospitals, private hospitals, 24 hour clinics, government run welfare homes.

These safe heavens should be equipped to deal with abandoned babies. Identity of the mother should be confidential and she should not be threatened with prosecution.

Such a move will prevent or at least reduce the number of deaths of abandoned babies. It is more important to save a baby’s life than to prosecute the mother who abandons the baby!
Who knows one day these abandoned babies will grow up in safe homes and with good care grow up to be good citizens.