In an apartment in Suwon City in June of this year, the bodies of two murdered newborns were discovered in a refrigerator. An investigation on March 2023, revealed that the number of unreported infants amounted to 2,236, and among them, 249 had already passed away. The existence of these abandoned or deceased infants, without any birth records, has deeply shocked Korean society. The reasons parents for not reporting the birth of a child vary, including financial hardship, social discrimination, family conflicts, and more. As a response, there has been a growing consensus in Korea that the introduction of an 'Anonymous Birth System' that allows for anonymous childbirth is necessary.
The 'Anonymous Birth System' was proposed as an extension of the Birth Notification System. Many argue that the fundamental reason why birth registration is not happening is because the government entrusts birth registration to individuals like parents. Currently, in Korea, the only penalty for not reporting a birth within a month is a fine of a mere 50,000 won. In many other countries, childbirth registration takes place immediately in medical institutions, relieving individuals of the burden. The Birth Notification System requires medical institutions to notify local governments of birth information, and prevent the creation of "ghost babies". In June of this year, the National Assembly passed the Birth Notification System. However, there are several concerns about it.
The implantation of the Birth Notification System could increase the number of "out-of-hospital childbirth" to not have records for their childbirth. Therefore, the Anonymous Birth System has been proposed as a complementary measure. However, there are also concerns about the introduction of the Anonymous Birth System too. Some fear that it could be exploited as a means to legally abandon children. Therefore, the introduction of the Anonymous Birth System is a multifaceted issue that needs to be considered from various angles.
What systems do other countries implement to prevent the abandonment and murder of infants?
Germany has been implementing the "Confidential Birth System" since 2014. Women facing unwanted pregnancies can receive counseling and medical support and can give birth to their child confidentially. During this process, they have the option to seal their own identity and can maintain anonymity until the child reaches the age of 16. The system does not automatically introduce anonymous childbirth, but instead first offers alternatives for living with the child or provides counseling on regular adoption procedures after birth registration. This system aims to provide support and options for women facing unwanted pregnancies while respecting their privacy and choices throughout the entire process.
On the other hand, France has a history dating back to the 1600s of anonymous childbirth in the form of baby hatches. In 2002, France established the "National Council for Access to Origins of Birth (CNAOP)" with the aim of strengthening the privacy of birth mothers while ensuring that children can easily access their birth information. A pregnant woman can request that her identity be kept secret when giving birth. During this process, the medical facility cannot request any documents or conduct investigations. They cannot inquire about the marital status of the mother, and they do not require the consent of the biological father or the mother’s parents for any additional medical assistance. The information of the mother left is kept confidential and stored by CNAOP for later. These cases from Germany and France showcase that the anonymous birth system brings individuals who can be socially excluded into the system and provides them with the protection they need.
The various approaches to anonymous childbirth practiced in different countries offer valuable insights into ways to protect both birth mothers and infants. Whether one supports or opposes the Anonymous Birth System, the shared goal is to protect babies from being abandoned or harmed. It is essential for governments to consider these issues and work towards solutions that prioritize the welfare and safety of both.
