REPOSITORIES FOR ABANDONED BABIES

Mr Chiam See Tong asked the Acting Minister for Community Development and Sports, in view of the number of reported cases of new-born babies being left in rubbish dumps, whether he will consider (i) constructing repositories at special designated places in Housing and Development Board estates and at strategic convenient places where abandoned babies can be left safely and (ii) if necessary, making supporting statutory provisions.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The MP has asked if my Ministry will consider setting up a repository for abandoned babies in residential areas or designated places. While the objective is to protect the baby from danger as well as the anonymity of the parent who abandons the baby, such repositories remain controversial, even in countries where they have been introduced.

Such repositories, also known as `Baby Drops', may save a life, but they also make it easier for a parent to abandon an infant, thus indirectly encouraging or sanctioning child abandonment.

Under Singapore law, it is illegal to abandon a baby. This is to underline the inalienable responsibility of parents for the safety and welfare of their children. The `Baby Drop' scheme could unwittingly instigate a parent to commit an offence. Legalising such a scheme will not overcome the problem of encouraging child abandonment, which will, in the long term, put far more children at risk.

While we recognise that mothers who cannot care for their babies need help, there are avenues for them to seek help for themselves and their babies without resorting to abandonment. My Ministry prefers to engage the mother, inform her of her options and assist her, through counselling with her partner and parents, to make an informed and socially responsible decision.

Currently, there are several avenues where unwed mothers or those who feel they cannot care for their babies can turn to for help. These avenues are social service agencies, the hospitals and the Child Protection and Welfare Service at my Ministry. These services include counselling on available options, the provision of shelter pending delivery and assistance in placing the baby for adoption. If the unwed mother is a teenager, my Ministry or any social service agency will work with the girl, and if possible her parents, to provide the necessary support and guidance needed.

Shelters for unwed mothers or mothers who wish to give up their child are available in Singapore. A welfare organisation, Rose Villa, provides a 24-hour hotline and crisis shelter to handle emergency cases. Unwed mothers may also walk in to Rose Villa to seek further assistance and support and are assured of confidentiality. The Pertapis Centre for Women and Children also provides a safe environment for counselling, support and adoption placement for unwed mothers. My Ministry is currently working with another two Voluntary Welfare Organisations to provide shelters for unwed mothers so that there are ample options and services for mothers who find themselves in such a predicament.

Over the last 3 years, the number of abandoned babies has dropped from 7 cases in 1999 to 4 cases last year. This is largely due to the Ministry's public education efforts and the good work of social service agencies to increase awareness about where to get help. This arrangement of involving the people sector has been working well. There is no need for additional statutory provisions.