Pre-reading questions:
- How do you feel about mothers abandoning their children?
- How can the government help abandoned children?
Vocabulary:
- pioneer – one of the first people to do something important
The company has been a pioneer in the car industry since 1950. - abandon – left without needed care, support and protection
The twins were abandoned by their mother. - adopt – to take care of someone’s child as your own legally
She was adopted at an early age. - unwanted – no longer wanted or desired
They are attracting unwanted attention from the media. - biological parent – someone’s natural father or mother
It was her dream to meet her biological parents.
Jikei Hospital in Kumamoto City is a pioneer in the drop box system for unwanted babies. It has been operating since 2008. Now, Jikei Hospital plans to allow giving birth for unwanted pregnancies. This new system is derived from Germany, where they allow women to give birth without being identified. The child will then be adopted and will have a chance to meet his or her biological mother upon reaching a certain age.
Hospital officials stated that pregnant women can submit their proof of identity in a sealed document. These documents, which will enable children to learn about their biological parent in the future, will be kept at a government office . The hospital is doing this to respond to the mother and child’s desperate situation. They also said that this system serves as an alternative to the government’s lack of programs that help single mothers.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is Jikei Hospital’s pioneer project?
- What is the drop box system for?
- Where did the drop box system originate?
- What will a pregnant woman submit to Jikei Hospital?
- When did the drop box system start at Jikei Hospital?
Express Your Opinion:
- What do you think about Jikei Hospital’s drop box system?
- Do you think Jikei Hospital’s new drop box system will work? Please explain your answer.
- What is your opinion on anonymous child birth?
- Do you think the new system will help unwanted children? Please explain your answer.
- In your opinion, how can the government support unwanted children?