Unwanted Babies

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31661, 23 April 1968, Page 14

Unwanted Babies

Sir,—ln discussing this important subject many correspondents tend to deal with only two sides of the triangle —the mother anti the babe. We read about the 121 per cent of babies born out of wedlock and of the sad plight of the unmarried mother, but what about the man who not only takes a shabby advantage of a decent girl’s emotions and then sneaks off, but who is also primarily responsible for our unenviable record in leading the world as a producer of illegitimate children? A compassionate payment by the State provides necessities for mother and child, but there is a weakness in a system that does not energetically seek out and prosecute the male offender, thereby relieving the Social Security Fund of this responsibility. Adequate maintenance payments should sufficiently deter these deserters from continuing their immoral pursuits.—Yours, etc. A P. FLEMING. April 20. 1968.

Sir,—“Why Not Really Help” advocates teaching “youngsters . . . control” and “not birth control.” One can imagine the cheers from the ostrich gallery. Much could validly be said on behalf of “control," especially by those who have not exercised enough of it One thing wrong with such inadequate sex education as is permitted in our schools is that it is given I by persons of impeccable probity rather than by unmarried mothers and disillusioned rakes. The inevitable result is that It lacks impact. The instructors serve as good examples whom few want to copy rather than as bad examples capable of being a real warning. But the most effective advocacy of restraint is unlikely to be completely effective in these days, and since most young philanderers do not bother about birth control, and often openly argue that it is “her risk,” it is impossible to blame lack of “control” on “birth control.”—Yours, etc., MARK D. SADLER. April 22, 1968.

Sir, —We read so often about the number of unwanted babies and the lack of parents to adopt them. We have adopted one child: legal fees, $6O. We would like another but find the initial cost too great. Many families would willingly gear their home to take another child but cannot find the initial capital (legal fees, pram, bassinet, etc.). We read Matron Fraser’s account in “The Press.” May God open our hearts that we readers will help with works, and not talk. We are forever trying to find another loophole in our moral code so as to justify loose living, the fruits of which are found in homes and hospitals throughout the country, unwanted by those who brought them into this very modern society. The Son of God died that we might be saved from our folly and sin. If we believe this may we do our share (both departments and people) towards easing this burden.—Yours, etc..

(Pastor) R. E. EDLIN. Waikuku Beach, April 22, 1968.