What should I do if I give birth but cannot raise the child?
If you have no choice but to give birth but cannot raise the child, please consult immediately. If a child dies after giving birth alone without consulting a doctor, there is a risk of being charged with “negligence as a guardian resulting in death” (if the baby died immediately after the birth) or “abandonment of a corpse” (if the baby was a stillborn). If you find out that you are pregnant, consult with someone before giving birth.
If you are unable to raise your child for any reason, the Child Guidance Center “児童相談所 jido sodanjo”, or the Child Care Support Division “子育て支援課 kosodate shienka” of your city can support you. Please consult with them immediately.
In addition, in Kumamoto there is a “Storks’ Cradle (Kounotori no Yurikago)”, a baby hatch where you can leave your baby anonymously.
If you are unable to raise your child for any reason, the Child Guidance Center “児童相談所 jido sodanjo”, or the Child Care Support Division “子育て支援課 kosodate shienka” of your city can support you. Please consult with them immediately.
In addition, in Kumamoto there is a “Storks’ Cradle (Kounotori no Yurikago)”, a baby hatch where you can leave your baby anonymously.
"Stork's Cradle" (baby hatch) Kounotori no Yurikago
In Kumamoto, there is a "Stork's Cradle" (baby hatch) at Jikei Hospital. The cradle is a place where mothers who cannot raise their babies and have no one to talk to can leave their babies anonymously.
Stork's Cradle System
The "cradle" is a special window at Jikei Hospital where you can leave your baby. Behind the door is a bed for the baby. Once you place the baby on the bed and close the door, it cannot be opened from the outside. After the door closes, staff will come to take care of the baby. There is an intercom by the bed. If you change your mind or want to talk, press the intercom button. There is also a "Letter to the Mother" on the bed. This letter has the hospital's contact information so you can reach them even after leaving the baby.
Babies placed in the "cradle" are immediately examined by a doctor. After the examination, the "cradle" staff contact the Kumamoto City Child Consultation Center and the police. Depending on the baby's health condition, the baby might stay in the hospital for a while or go to an infant care home the same day.
http://ninshin-sos.jp/yurikago_info/ (in Japanese)
Location of the Cradle
Address: 6-1-27, Shimazaki, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0073, Japan
https://goo.gl/maps/PGRK95h7CKVJypvD7
The "cradle" is a last resort for when you absolutely cannot seek help. If you are struggling with an unwanted pregnancy, please reach out for help first. Let's find a solution together.
Stork's Cradle System
The "cradle" is a special window at Jikei Hospital where you can leave your baby. Behind the door is a bed for the baby. Once you place the baby on the bed and close the door, it cannot be opened from the outside. After the door closes, staff will come to take care of the baby. There is an intercom by the bed. If you change your mind or want to talk, press the intercom button. There is also a "Letter to the Mother" on the bed. This letter has the hospital's contact information so you can reach them even after leaving the baby.
Babies placed in the "cradle" are immediately examined by a doctor. After the examination, the "cradle" staff contact the Kumamoto City Child Consultation Center and the police. Depending on the baby's health condition, the baby might stay in the hospital for a while or go to an infant care home the same day.
http://ninshin-sos.jp/yurikago_info/ (in Japanese)
Location of the Cradle
Address: 6-1-27, Shimazaki, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-0073, Japan
https://goo.gl/maps/PGRK95h7CKVJypvD7
The "cradle" is a last resort for when you absolutely cannot seek help. If you are struggling with an unwanted pregnancy, please reach out for help first. Let's find a solution together.
