PETALING JAYA: The proposal to set up a baby hatch by an organisation called OrphanCARE at its premises here — for people to drop off their unwanted babies — is a step towards addressing the social stigma attached to poor mothers.

Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez said the baby hatch would support and protect young women in trouble.

"Those with unwanted pregnancies usually fear punishment and disapproval of people around them. That's why they resort to abandoning their babies. With this place, unwanted babies will be well taken care of."

Dismissing notions that the baby hatch plan would encourage pre-marital sex, Irene said this effort should not be viewed with moralistic judgment but out of the respect for the innocent babies' lives.

"This effort provides one of the support measures needed to help the young women cope until they are in an environment where the mothers can confidently bring up the child without fear or shame."

She said the people involved in unwanted pregnancies should be dealt with care and understanding rather than punishment.

Puchong's Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih principal, Md Zawawi Ramli, said the plan could also aid mothers in unwanted situations, such as rape victims.

"Whenever people think of unwanted babies, they would associate it with someone's sins rather than considering other reasons."

Still, Zawawi felt there should be certain regulations and procedures on how the babies should be sent for care at the centre.

"Discussions with other interested bodies and lawyers should be held to ensure the rights of the mother and the baby remain protected. The centre should also keep track of the mothers to avoid them being irresponsible towards their own children."

Sister Angela Wong from Assunta Children Society said such a place could help ensure these babies will be adopted and not fall into the hands of syndicates.

"The most important thing is for everyone, especially young people, to be educated on sex issues. They should be educated that this baby hatch plan is no substitute for being responsible for their own decisions and is meant for those in real need."

OrphanCARE president Datuk Adnan Mohd Tahir said the outfit was set up two years ago and works with the government to expedite adoption processes by helping place abandoned and orphaned babies with suitable parents.

In announcing the baby hatch plan, he had reportedly said OrphanCARE intends to practise a "don't ask, don't tell" policy — similar to that in Germany and Japan — as a way to support single mothers who cannot raise children on their own.

Those who leave their babies at the hatch also need to provide the child's birth certificate and mother's consent for the baby to be later given up for adoption.