This article reports on a baby hatch in southern China forced to suspend its work after hundreds of infants were abandoned, overwhelming the centre, according to its director. China introduced the centres so parents could abandon infants safely rather than leaving them in the streets. Supporters say the baby hatches save lives, but critics say they encourage parents to abandon their children. The centre, which also cares for orphans, has 1,000 beds. However, it currently houses 1,121 babies and young people, with another 1,274 in the care of foster families, Guangzhou's Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau said. All the abandoned infants are reported by the Bureau as having illnesses, such as cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and congenital heart disease. The article reports that it is thought that many parents abandon babies who are ill because they fear they cannot afford the medical care required. A total of 25 baby hatches have been established in 10 provincial regions in China, Xinhua reports.
