Japan’s Baby Hatch- 16 babies dropped off in first year
Remember the “baby post” we reported about back in 2006? One year has passed since its official opening, and a total of 16 babies have been left there:
A Roman Catholic hospital set up the hatch a year ago, despite criticism by conservative politicians, in the hope of preventing abortions and abuse against unwanted children.
The Jikei Hospital in the southern city of Kumamoto declined to say how many babies have been left in the year. Jiji Press news agency said 16 babies have been dropped off, although one was later taken back by his or her parents.
A hospital official said it has also received 501 consultations in the past 12 months.
“The number is at least over 1,000 if you include calls to hotlines set up by the city and prefectural governments,” she told AFP by telephone.
