Unwanted Babies

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31660, 22 April 1968, Page 10

Unwanted Babies

Sir,—lllegitimacy is a problem which can only be solved by a family life programme to make schoolchildren aware of the tragedy it brings to all concerned. In the meantime 20 illegitimate babies are being born a day and if future social problems are to be avoided more provision must be made for the welfare of those who are not adopted. It is known that for the best social and mental development a baby needs a mother and not a succession of substitutes. So it is in the interest of society to see that single mothers can accept the responsibility of their babies by easing the tremendous financial obstacles they face. How? First by demanding legislation to see that the father financially supports his

child. Second, State aid in the form of family benefit and accommodation is necessary. The need is immediate and action should not be delayed.—Yours, etc., ROSEMARY A. BARNES. Spotswood, April 20, 1968. Sir, —Your correspondent "Father” writes: "There is no excuse for obstinate and reckless people reproducing out of marriage.” This really obstinate attitude is the very cause of unwanted babies. It is, by and large, the social pressure and the Government’s atttitude by not providing sufficient social security for those unmarried girls faced with pregnancies which makes them abandon their babies. Until our society adopts a more realistic attitude towards love and sex. this misery will continue. All those people advocating instruction in contraception do not seem to realise that it is the urge to reproduce in the first place which gets people in this situation Yours, etc., M. April 20, 1968.