Focus on saving the babies

PETALING JAYA: Long-term measures should be drawn up to prevent the abandonment of babies, says MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel

He said that a committed approach to the problem, backed by adequate funds, should result in a reduction in the number of abandoned babies.

“Proactive outreach programmes that educate and help in preventing unwanted pregnancies are very important,” said Palanivel in his blog (www.gpalanivel.com).

“A good approach is to set up a system where these mothers can be dealt with anonymously and should not be threatened with prosecution,” he said, adding that counselling and assistance should be provided.

He said the government should ensure that this message reaches out to women in trouble, especially those with unplanned pregnancies.

“Personnel should be trained to look out for these mothers in very discreet ways,” he added.

On Saturday, the charred remains of a baby, believed to be a few days old, was found in a rubbish bin in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, by two District Council workers while on their garbage rounds along Jalan Tengku Zainal Abidin at about 11am.

This was the fourth case involving the dumping of newborn babies since Feb 8.

Palanivel said that the National Population and Family Development Board clinics, government primary health clinics, district hospitals, private hospitals, 24-hour clinics and government-run welfare homes should also be accessible to mothers who might be considering abandoning their babies.

“It is more important to save a baby’s life than to prosecute the mother who abandons her baby,” he stressed.