Solutions from Welfare Dept
2010/07/03
By Rozanna Latiff news@nst.com.my
news@nst.com.my
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KUALA LUMPUR: Options are aplenty for parents who are unable to care for their children, the Welfare Department said yesterday.
Couples faced with unexpected or unwanted pregnancies are encouraged to approach the various institutions under the department to "drop off" their babies.
Similiar to OrphanCARE, the country's first baby hatch, the 104 district welfare offices, 60 institutions and 55 clinics set up by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry are open to unwed parents who wish to give up their children for adoption.
Welfare Department director-general Datuk Meme Zainal Rashid said these welfare offices provided the same services as a baby hatch..
"Not everyone will have access to the baby hatch. Therefore, welfare agencies are another place for young people to get help regarding unplanned pregnancies, especially in rural areas," she said yesterday.
Meme said the same procedures as those implemented at the OrphanCARE were applicable to protect the parents' identities.
"Confidentiality is important to ensure the parents would not face persecution."
She said all parties, including parents, must take responsibility in educating their children on their responsibilities and to provide them with moral support.
"Many parents will disown their unwed daughter when she gets pregnant and this often leaves the girl with few options."
Federation of Reproductive Health Associations Malaysia (FHRAM) chairman Dr Kamaruzaman Ali said welfare homes and organisations that provided help to young unwed mothers should publicise their addresses and phone numbers.
He said welfare home caregivers should also be skilled, sensitive and non-judgmental towards unwed mothers.
"These girls have already made mistakes and they should not be punished further.
"Instead, we must guide them to make better choices for both their children and themselves."
He also called for decision-makers to take a bold step in implementing a comprehensive reproductive health education syllabus in schools.
"Although it is a sensitive issue, it is better for our children to receive proper guidance and education, not just on the biological but also the social, emotional and moral aspects as well."
He also suggested that the syllabus be complemented by religious or moral education for a more complete approach.
Read more: Solutions from Welfare Dept http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/6babi/Article/index_html#ixzz0t3wBGzRG
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