OSAKA - Renovation work has begun at a hospital in Izumisano, Osaka Prefecture, as the city prepares to introduce a baby hatch for parents unable to raise their children and a confidential birth system that allows pregnant women to give birth without publicly disclosing their identities.
Construction has started on a consultation area for pregnant women and mothers at Rinku General Medical Center, the hospital cooperating with the city on the project.
Izumisano plans to establish a baby hatch called "Baby Life Baton," where parents who feel unable to raise their children can safely leave their babies.
The city is also aiming to introduce confidential births during the next fiscal year, allowing pregnant women to give birth without revealing their identities.
Renovation work at the medical center will proceed in stages, including construction of the facility where babies can be placed.
Yasuhiro Niihara, secretary-general of Rinku General Medical Center, said the hospital intends to carry out the work safely and without inconveniencing patients.
Izumisano also plans to establish a new infant care facility to look after children left through the baby hatch.
Source: ABCTVnews
