SHAH ALAM - OrphanCare, the foundation that runs baby hatch, rescued 46 newborns in 2022 says many young mothers remain unaware of the consequences of premarital sex.
Expressing deep concern over the increasing number of children born out of wedlock in Malaysia, OrphanCare's Advocacy and Communications Manager Riza Alwi said 80 per cent of mothers who utilised the baby hatch fall within the age range of 17 to 25 years old.
"These babies born out of wedlock often result from cases of rape or unintended pregnancies.
"Many of the young mothers are unaware of their pregnancy as they may have engaged in sexual activity only once.
"Discovering their pregnancy under such circumstances is truly traumatic. It is not the kind of pregnancy they envisioned," she told Sinar Daily.
She said they do not want newborns to be abandoned without any consideration and they aim to prevent newborns from being sent to an orphanage and ensure that the baby receives citizenship.
She said the baby hatch is not intended as a dumping ground for babies, but rather as a safe haven to rescue and protect them.
In Peninsular Malaysia, OrphanCare runs three baby hatcheries situated in Petaling Jaya, Johor Bahru, and Sungai Petani in Kedah.
A baby hatch is a designated facility where birth mothers can safely and anonymously leave their babies.
OrphanCare has established collaborations with Hospital Pakar An-Nur in Bangi and KPJ Hospitals, healthcare organisations in the region. KPJ Hospitals operates three baby hatcheries across the country, namely KPJ Hospital Ipoh, KPJ Hospital Perdana Kota Baru and KPJ Hospital Seremban.
These baby hatches follow a German system, providing a safe and air-conditioned environment. They are equipped with a 24-hour CCTV system inside the hatch which alerts the caretaker when a baby is left inside. It is important to note that the camera does not identify the mother to ensure anonymity and confidentiality.
OrphanCare receives babies through three channels: from expectant mothers, mothers who have given birth, and by placing the baby in the baby hatch.
Riza said from the 46 babies it received in 2022, 36 babies were successfully placed with adoptive families, while nine babies were supported by their mothers after receiving counseling.
"The counseling was effective," Riza added.
The remaining had to be referred to the Social Welfare due to disabilities, he said.
Meanwhile, as of May 2023, Riza said 17 babies had been saved. Out of that 13 were given to adoptive parents, three were given to their birth mothers after counselling and one baby had to be given to social department due to health problems.
Riza further said leaving babies in the baby hatch was not a punishable offence but rather a compassionate choice for mothers who may be fearful or hesitant to directly engage with others.
OrphanCare also strongly believes in the importance of prevention rather than cure. As part of their efforts, they actively conduct numerous sharing sessions with various universities in Malaysia to raise awareness about the implications of engaging in sexual activity before marriage and the challenges of children born out of wedlock.
"Not to forget, we also receive a lot of feedback online stating they are pregnant but don't know how to deal with this problem.
"It's scary that sex outside of marriage in Malaysia is normal, so we have to create awareness about the safety aspect of it," she added.
Riza further added that babies placed in the baby hatch are not identified by their religion or race.
However, OrphanCare will adhere to the official religion of the country unless the baby is accompanied by a document or note indicating a different religious affiliation.
Furthermore, mothers who entrust their babies to OrphanCare have the option to select adoptive parents for their children.
"On the citizenship of the babies, this is why OrphanCare facilitates the adoption process, as it is the only means for the baby to obtain citizenship," she added.
For more information, log in to www.orphancare.org.my or donate at Orphancare Foundation via CIMB, 8600860238.