Laos Grapples with Surge in Abandoned Infants Amid Economic Turmoil
Laos is facing an alarming increase in cases of baby abandonment, drawing attention to the post-Covid challenges and worsening economic crisis in the country. Two recent incidents have sparked public outrage and shed light on the difficult circumstances faced by young parents.
The first case occurred on December 6 at Mahosot Hospital, when an abandoned baby was discovered hidden in a bag hanging from a vehicle’s side view mirror in the hospital parking lot. The vehicle owner acted swiftly and rushed the infant to the hospital for medical attention and evaluation.
Authorities have yet to identify the child’s parents, but there have been individuals expressing interest in adopting the baby. However, strict procedures involving the police and anti-human trafficking sectors are in place to prevent any illicit activities. Financial constraints often push parents, particularly teenagers, to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their children for adoption.
Dr. Douangkham Phommachan, Chief of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Mahosot Hospital, stated that teenagers who enjoy socializing and partying often neglect to consider the consequences of their actions. When faced with the responsibility of parenthood, they may choose to run away from it instead.
While cases of child abandonment leading to adoption are not frequent at Mahosot Hospital, there has been a rise in such incidents recently. Some cases go unnoticed as individuals who find abandoned babies opt to adopt them privately, bypassing legal procedures. The reopening of entertainment venues after Covid-19 restrictions has facilitated social gatherings among teenagers, contributing to the increase in abandonment cases.
On December 12, another incident took place in Xaythany, where a newborn was found on the streets. The infant was promptly taken to Hospital 150 for medical evaluation, but the identity of the adoptive parents remains unknown. The child is reported to be in a safe condition.
The consecutive cases of baby abandonment have sparked criticism on social media, with online users expressing their discontent and condemning what they see as irresponsible parenting. Many emphasize the importance of contraception and responsible decision-making in order to prevent such heartbreaking situations.
Recognizing the need to address the growing issue of child abandonment, Xieng Khouang has implemented initiatives to educate residents about reproductive health and contraception. These efforts aim to reduce misunderstandings among teenagers, decrease maternal mortality rates, and promote family planning. The province has seen an increase in the establishment of mother and child hospitals, indicating a growing interest among teenagers in learning more about reproductive health.
The troubling surge in baby abandonment cases in Laos highlights the complex challenges faced by young parents, often leading to difficult decisions and societal backlash. As authorities work to navigate these issues, it is crucial to continue emphasizing the importance of responsible parenting and increased awareness about contraception.
In conclusion, Laos is grappling with a surge in abandoned infants amidst economic turmoil. The recent cases of baby abandonment have ignited public outrage and shed light on the post-Covid challenges and economic crisis faced by the country. It is imperative to address these issues through education, support, and increased awareness to ensure the well-being of both parents and children.
