In recent months, South Korea has been grappling with a disturbing series of baby killings that have shocked the nation. These tragic events have highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes behind such heinous acts. While the government has responded with tougher sanctions, experts argue that a more holistic strategy is required, focusing on supporting vulnerable individuals and improving access to resources for parents in crisis. In addition, the country’s struggle with unregistered infants and limited access to safe and legal abortion services further compounds the challenges faced by its society.
Just outside Seoul, two newborn children were discovered deceased and frozen in a house freezer, revealing the severe economic difficulties faced by their mother. Similarly, a young adult couple in Gyeongsang province was arrested for allegedly murdering their five-day-old child. These distressing incidents shed light on the issue of infanticide and the abandonment of newborns in South Korea, prompting lawmakers to pass stricter penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty. However, experts argue that these measures are insufficient to address the underlying causes of such tragedies.
South Korea’s National Assembly recently revealed a shocking revelation: thousands of infants born between 2015 and 2022 were unregistered, leading to the emergence of what are known as “ghost babies.” These undocumented infants pose significant challenges in terms of data collection and protection, with numerous cases under investigation for potential foul play. To mitigate this issue, a new bill has been passed, mandating that medical workers report newborns to local authorities, shifting the responsibility from parents.
While stricter punitive measures have been implemented, experts caution against relying solely on heavier penalties to deter crime. Research suggests that simply increasing punishments has not proven effective in reducing crime rates. Furthermore, there is concern that excessively severe punishments may disproportionately target certain groups or become inefficient when applied to specific cases. This highlights the need for a measured and comprehensive approach that goes beyond punitive measures.
South Korea’s lack of clarity and access to safe and legal abortion services contribute to the dilemma of unwanted pregnancies. Decriminalization in 2021, without subsequent legislation, has created ambiguity for those seeking or performing abortions. This uncertain landscape discourages medical practitioners from providing surgical abortion services due to fear of prosecution. Consequently, a significant portion of individuals resort to self-induced methods or seek risky alternatives, leading to potential health risks.
South Korea’s alarmingly low fertility rate and societal expectations complicate the issue further. The high costs of living, demanding work environments, fierce competition in education, and gender inequality impede the decision to have children. Alongside financial concerns, cultural pressures discourage potential parents or drive desperate individuals to commit unthinkable acts. Changing social attitudes and creating a supportive environment that addresses these challenges will be crucial in shaping a brighter future.
Addressing the problem of infanticide and unregistered infants in South Korea requires a multifaceted approach. Enhancing support systems for single and teen mothers, providing accessible resources like baby boxes, and ensuring clarity and accessibility in safe abortion services are vital steps towards preventing these tragedies. Concurrently, there is a need for infrastructure and programs to alleviate the financial burdens associated with raising children and to foster a cultural shift that promotes understanding and support for those facing challenges in parenthood. Creating a more compassionate and inclusive society will be essential in preventing the loss of innocent lives and offering hope to those in desperate situations.
Market Capital Research 