We Care

I just came into the washroom when I heard somebody weeping at the sink area. Not long after, another girl came in and they started talking to each other. The girl who cried was ranting impatiently, but I didn't intend to eavesdrop hence the only phrase I could clearly comprehend out of the conversation was "My life has been constantly shit."

I stood quietly, having no idea what her life problem was, but the fact that I was in the washroom reminds me of a post by @orphancare on their Instagram about a teenager who died after giving birth in a toilet in her own house. She must have had a tough time too, or even worse.

The unfortunate baby didn't get the first chance to live as his mom let go of her second chance to begin a new life. A new beginning? Something that might sounds easy to say, but God knows how much it takes to even make a first step. Though it might be a bit too late for me to say this, but I believe they deserve a better ending.

From the moment I first heard a news on baby dumping issues on TV many, many years ago, to the day I visited OrphanCARE (OC) and Rumah Kita during a YK Community Based Learning (YKCBL) camp, to this day, that thought has never to fail to haunt me, that everyone; including the innocent babies and the traumatised mothers, deserves a place to live on this earth.

I still remember being at Rumah Kita, visiting a few high school girls who just gave birth to their children. Awkward moment, awkward gaze, awkward smile. I didn't know how to express my empathy; I didn't know how to give my conversation a proper start. What I know is that even though from my naked eyes they seem to look alright, deep inside the bottom of their heart, lies a struggle that its journey is undefined.

4992

child was born by underage mother in 2017, with

120

case of baby dumping being reported in the same year.

And up to the month of June in 2018,

1664

babies were born by these underage mothers, bearing the title of 'illegitimate child'

"For real tangible change to occur in tackling the problem, we must accept & acknowledge a few facts and body of evidence regarding what method works.... behind every baby being dumped is an unplanned pregnancy." said Dr John Teo, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in one article he wrote exactly two years ago.

Have we ever wondered about the thoughts behind a desperate act that we deem inhuman in a despairing situation these girls are embroiled in? Have we ever thought of...

How does it feel, to have nobody to believe the regret you have on your recklessness once and for all?

How does it feel, to have no support and guidance after a tremendous tragedy?

How does it feel, to be left by those 'trash' whom now in return had leave them as black sheep in the community?

How does it feel, to struggle in gaining strength to rise and belief in His blessings, while having to shower an unexpected gift from God with love and care?

In 2010, OrphanCare stepped forward and launched an initiative called 'baby hatch', and since then more baby hatch centres are set up in other parts of the country.

However, this initiative alone will not be successful in eradicating the problem, if no awareness on this social problem takes place and no non-judgmental environment is provided.

Newspaper clipping on baby dumping (Photo from OrphanCare website)

You, me, our friends, our family, we all know this is not the way it is supposed to be. While the government and authorities are working hard in tackling this social problem, from looking at the implementation of sex education to investigating the amendments to laws and regulations, as the member of the public each of us should share the same vision, that: baby dumping should not be our nation's unending tragedy.

The goal need to be achieved. Zero baby dumping, and of course eventually, zero baby hatch centres in the country.

And finally, a better place to live in.

Statistic source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/07/23/5000-babies-born-to-under18s-incest-and-child-abuse-among-factors-behind-such-cases-says-wan-azizah/

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