Seeking ideal sites for baby hatches
The concluding installment of a two part series on baby dumping discusses ideal locations for baby hatches, explores the extent of the unwed mothers’ anguish and examines those ‘lurid lyrics’. YISWAREE PALANISAMY, MAIZATUL RANAI AND ATIQA HAZELLAH reports
THE organisation which set up the nation’s first baby hatch at a bungalow in Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya, is conducting research to recommend the ideal locations for such centres.
OrphanCARE has cared for seven babies since its opening in May when it can actually — as the accompanying picture illustrates — accommodate more.
Its secretary, Azra Banu, said opinion was split over suitable sites; some thought visibility would help while others believed secluded spots offered comfort, given the issue of social stigma.
“Right now, we are looking at setting up baby hatches at hospitals, maternity clinics and local council buildings which are open 24 hours daily.”
Malaysian Human Rights Commission commissioner James Nayagam, for one, believes that easy accessibility is a top priority.
On the other hand, anonymity is central in the latest plan to save abandoned babies put together by Pandan member of parliament Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
Baby cots will be placed at the premises of non-governmental organisations where mothers can leave their babies anonymously.
The NGOs will then alert Ong’s service centre in Pandan Jaya, which will in turn get in touch with the police and the Welfare Department.
Yayasan Bakti Nusa and a number of NGOs are working with Ong on the project to be launched at the end of this month.
Rumah Nur Salam caretaker Raja Azizan Suhaimi Raja Abd Latiff, 51, feels that places of worship offer the most suitable location.
“I feel that these will be the ideal location, as they will instil fear in the hearts of the teenagers not to commit any more wrongdoing,” he said.
Assistant supervisor Kesavan Nair, 50, said baby hatches were an immediate necessity.
“The best locations for baby hatches are hot spots, such as factories or squatter areas,” said the grandfather of two.
Local authorities can perhaps study the “Safe Haven” law which was introduced in 1999 in the United States as an effort to combat baby dumping.
The law allows parents to surrender their babies in surrender sites, such as police stations, hospitals, rescue squads and fire stations, without fear of being arrested or prosecuted.
While the babies are given to the proper authorities, the identity of the parents will not be revealed to the court.
The law, which was first introduced in Texas, had reportedly saved many lives as parents were given the option to surrender their child safely instead of aborting, killing or dumping them.
It was reported that states across the US were enacting the law. Although the state laws are different, they all ensure the safety of babies and the anonymity of parents who decide to relinquish their claim on the child.
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