Newborn disposal

The recent and deeply distressing discovery of three newborn bodies in a Karachi garbage dump should jolt our collective conscience. The appalling details unveil a shocking disregard for the sanctity of life, raising urgent questions about the ethical practices within medical institutes.

The bodies, found floating in jars filled with water and chemicals, suggest a sinister connection to potential medical practices. The mere speculation that these infants, the epitome of vulnerability, might have been utilised and then callously discarded is a stark indictment of the moral fabric that should underpin our healthcare system. The improper disposal of newborns in such a dehumanising manner is a grave violation of the inherent right to dignity and care. It calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding their abandonment, especially if medical institutes are implicated. However, this incident is not an isolated one, as highlighted by a report revealing the burial of hundreds of newborns by the Edhi Foundation. The significant discrepancy between official records of infanticide and the actual number of infants buried raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability. The authorities must address this alarming gap to safeguard the rights of innocent lives. The swift response from the Sindh Police, issuing instructions to register a criminal case for abandoned newborns, is a step towards accountability. However, the true measure of justice lies in the thoroughness of the investigation and the severity of consequences meted out to those responsible.

In the face of such heartbreaking revelations, our society must unite in condemning and combatting the mistreatment of newborns. Transparent medical practices, rigorous investigations and severe consequences are imperative to ensure justice. The protection and well-being of newborns should be a non-negotiable priority, and it is incumbent upon the authorities to act decisively in upholding the sanctity of every life, regardless of how fragile or voiceless they are.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2023.

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