The Spread of 'Baby Boxes' in Europe Concerns the UN

     The United Nations is growing increasingly concerned over the use of baby boxes in Europe, a system which lets parents anonymously abandon their infant to health-care professionals and adoption agencies. The UN has taken offense to the practice because they believe that it contradicts the child's right to be known and cared for by his or her parents. Leaving a child in a safe place to be cared for by others is a controversial topic which draws debate from a number of different organizations such as political groups, religious organizations and pro-life lobbyists. The arguments are valid and raise a number of questions regarding state provision of family planning and counselling practices for women.

     In order to comprehend the debate behind the use of the baby box system it's important to understand how the it works. While some details do vary depending on the country's legal and social parameters, the overall routine is extraordinarily similar. The small room (I feel strange calling it a container even though that's a more apt description) holds a miniature bed, a soft light and a camera, and is heated or insulated. The individual approaches the room (container) and opens the door to place the infant inside.

An image of the baby hatch located in Malaysia

     Once the infant is placed in the bed there is a form that is often filled out which contains relevant information about the infant. The form is placed with the infant in the room and the door is shut, which causes the lock to enable and the light to turn on. After a moment has passed (which allows for the individual to leave the vicinity in order to ensure anonymity) the carers are alerted to the presence of the infant by a piercing alarm which sounds in their office, accompanied by a flashing light to ensure the alarm is not missed. After the infant has been taken in by the carer the situation varies heavily depending on the location of the baby box and the laws that exist in the country regarding parental rights. For more information about the legal aspects of the baby box in relation to the region it's located in click here.

     Baby boxes are intended to be used by mothers who are unable to cope, either emotionally or financially, with raising their infant and do not wish to be identified. According to a story written on The Local, an interactive news site featuring local and national German news, one of the reasons that people may feel compelled to use the service in Germany is because it's illegal for mothers to give birth anonymously in hospitals; therefore it is the only way for them to ensure their child is safely looked after by others. This is a vast departure from the women in India or Pakistan who use the service to avoid female infanticide due to high dowry costs. China's government uses the practice in order to lower the cases of child abandonment.

A baby bank located in Humburg Germany: over 400 children have been abandoned in hatches in Europe since 2000 (Nina Ruecker/Getty Images).

     Supporters of the baby box system claim that it has prevented infanticide and abandonment, therefore saving the lives of those who are left in the care of professionals. Pro-life lobbyists have supported the use of baby boxes because it offers an alternative to abortion while ensuring that the mother's identity remains hidden. Arguing this claim is Maria Herczog, a member of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), who says that there is no evidence that the boxes prevent infanticide. UN officials also argue that the anonymity surrounding the identity of the parent violates the right of the child to know their parents and maintain a relationship with them.

     Solutions to the baby box program have been in discussion for a number of years and focus on the importance of counselling services for unwed or anxious mothers as well as improved provincial support. These answers address only the basest of concerns regarding the reasons that people may use the program and do little to discuss environments such as those present in China or India or the fact that the program may also be used to hide infidelity; and therefore not need the solutions which have been presented. There are no easy answers when it comes to caring for an abandoned child and offering solutions to those who feel they are unable to properly care for their child. This system seems to be the best that is available for now and offers a way for infants to be raised in an environment where they have the chance for a happy life. If you want more information you can find the original story click here.