Blessings to the St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for initiating its “Angel’s Cradle” safe haven program.
This attempt to rescue newborns from an untimely death should be recognized and applauded by everyone who claims to have a beating heart. Time after time we hear of infanticide, wee babies being abandoned after childbirth or the mother neglecting to seek medical attention after delivery. Results are a catastrophic demise for the child and charges being laid against the mother, who probably needs medical care and mental health intervention rather than incarceration to prevent a repeat scenario.
Legalized abortion has never eradicated the problem of unwanted pregnancies nor should it be a substitute for birth control measures. Despite attempts to educate and inform, unplanned pregnancies still occur. Although medical attention and numerous resources are available in our country to support both mother and child, there are still those inexplicable cases where somebody’s desire to remain anonymous supersedes that maternal instinct and passion. Perhaps as humans we may still need some work to reach the level that other mammals possess in protecting their young.
This is Canada’s first attempt to offer babies the greatest gift a mother can … the gift of life! Given the number of childless couples ready to love and cherish a child, I can think of no better option. Immediately the child is provided with medical care and opportunity versus an obviously dismal alternative.
Alberta has had its fair share of headlines involving these infant deaths during the past year and it is discouraging to see such foot-dragging in implementing these protective measures in our own hospitals. Many will argue that this practice will promote promiscuity and child abandonment. Granted it does not feel normal but sadly, it has become necessary.
Mother’s Day is fast approaching … the May opening of Angel’s Cradle in Vancouver is appropriate. Most of us would love to see a real angel in our lifetime; imagine our joy if we were able to save one.
Carol Dickson, St. Albert
