Friday, May 18, 2007

Unwanted, but not newborn

A solution to a rise in infantcide in some countries, including parts of the US, has been to create safe baby drop zones, where parents, usually mothers, can drop off their unwanted babies annonymously. On my way home from work, I drive past a sign for such a zone at Faulkner Hospital. Much as I understand its need and purpose, it never fails to give me a queasy feeling.

But nobody was prepared for what happened in Japan this week when a father apparently abandoned his 3-year-old son in a drop-box for unwanted newborns. You read that right: 3-YEAR-old son.

Not surprisingly, the event has roiled Japan. Even before this happened, the box was controversial. Plus, the drop-off occurred on its first day of operation.

What could drive a parent to do such a thing? One can only imagine: poverty, mental illness, frustration? We all have moments with toddlers and preschoolers when we find ourselves closer to an edge than we ever imagined. That's the time to pick up the phone to call a friend; shut yourself in the bathroom long enough to count to 10; find someone to stay with your child while you take a walk, even if it's just around the perimeter of your home.

If you ever find yourself at that breaking point with no one to call and no one to spell you, try this number: 1-800-632-8188. That's the Parental Stress Line available 24 hours a day, or this one: 1-800-486-3730 from 5 pm to 9 am, or 24-hours a day on weekends or holidays. It's the hot line for the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Someone is always available to talk.

Posted by Barbara Meltz at 02:54 PM

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