I READ with sadness a recent report in the media that a jobless mother had been charged with disposing of her dead baby.

There were also two cases in 2007 of babies being abandoned.

However, in one of the cases, the baby was found alive.

My concern is: How can the abandonment of live babies be prevented?

Perhaps it is time that Singapore seriously considers setting up a national adoption centre to replicate the admirable work performed by nuns at the then Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Victoria Street.

Orphans without proper homes could treat the centre as a place of refuge.

Unwanted babies born out of wedlock could also be sent here for care and protection.

Unwanted pregnancies need not be terminated frivolously and innocent, precious lives would be saved.

These infants could be given a chance to develop and grow up to become useful citizens.

With the establishment of such a centre, the Government can review its abortion policy in order to reduce the high abortion rate.

The centre could employ professionals to take care of the babies and children.

It could also arrange for them to be adopted by childless married couples who love children and can afford to give them a good life and a promising future.

It is encouraging to note that large business organisations donate millions of dollars each year to the Singapore Zoo and Jurong BirdPark to adopt their favourite animals.

These companies can also be depended upon to support the centre financially.

Mr Nelson Quah

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