The Vanuatu Christian Council of Churches says support, not punishment, is the best way to respond to a perceived increase in the number of babies being abandoned by young mothers.
The Council is responding to a call by a Tanna chief for harsher penalties for mothers who kill their babies at birth.
The Independent reports the chief, Malcolm Raymond, saying it is a growing problem and needs to be immediately addressed.
Support for the mothers of new born has also been called for by Presbyterian leader in Port Vila.
Alan Nafuki, says women should be provided support and educated on how to care for themselves and children.
He says the father should be held accountable too so both parents are responsible.
“This has been happening because of ignorance and rejecting by the parents themselves. The girls they feel lonely and they have nowhere to go. Most of them decide to after (giving) birth, to throw the babies out.”
Vanuatu’s council of women has also rejected the call penalties.
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