Behind the growing cases of infant abandonment in the Philippines lies a complex web of poverty, stigma, and desperation. These abandoned newborns are not only at risk of severe medical complications; their long-term development and well-being may also be affected in ways that are not immediately visible.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Dr. Claire Fritz Tria, a general pediatrician, she explained that when an abandoned infant is brought to a medical facility, the first priority is to provide immediate care and stabilize the baby’s condition. This includes checking vital signs such as temperature, cardiac rate, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. The baby also undergoes a full medical examination and laboratory tests to assess their overall health status.
Doctors also determine whether the baby is premature or full-term, as this significantly affects the kind of care required. According to Dr. Tria, common medical complications among abandoned newborns include hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and in worst-case scenarios — death.
The environment where the baby was left plays a crucial role. If the area is not sterile, there is a high risk of septic delivery and infection. Timing is also critical. If a baby is left unattended for hours, the risk of serious complications increases dramatically. Exposure to extreme temperatures, unsanitary conditions, and even insects or animals can put the newborn’s life in danger.
Dr. Tria added that there are telltale signs doctors look for to determine whether a baby was born in a hospital or outside. The condition of the umbilical cord, whether sterile tools were used, and the baby’s overall presentation provide clues about the circumstances of the birth.
Although newborns may seem too young to remember, abandonment can still leave psychological effects. The lack of maternal contact and exposure to stress early in life may affect emotional and neurological development later on.
Many parents who abandon their children do so out of financial hardship, fear, or shame, especially when the child has special needs. Some are unable to register the birth legally, which pushes them to leave their babies in public places such as hospitals, churches, or markets.
Solving the issue of infant abandonment requires more than emergency medical care. It demands stronger social support systems, awareness on responsible parenthood, and expanded access to healthcare and counseling services. For doctors like Dr. Tria, every abandoned infant is a life worth saving, as long as help arrives in time.
