GMF#3 | Rescuing a Child from the Sewers - Kidnapping or Compassion?

TLDR: In this 5 min journey we explore the moral quandary of adopting a child found abandoned in the sewers. While the desire to provide love and care is commendable, questions arise regarding legal and ethical implications. We delve into the complexities of child trafficking, uncertain origins, and the need for accurate data. Reflect with us on the right course of action when faced with a child in need of care.

• A heartwarming story unfolds as a man discovers and wishes to adopt a child found abandoned in the sewers.

• Legal and ethical concerns arise when assuming the child's status as an orphan due to the absence of identification.

• Child trafficking is a grim reality, with babies sold, exploited, or stolen for various purposes.

• Accurate data sharing is crucial to determine a child's background and ensure their best interests.

• Balancing compassion and legal considerations raises challenging questions about waiting periods and decision-making.

Welcome back, dear readers, to Give Me Five: Quirky Tales of Giving. Today, we embark on an extraordinary journey that challenges our moral compass and sparks a profound debate about compassion and legality.

Recently, Dr Hartini (https://give.asia/about) who is child rights champion rallied her friends to raise funds for a child found abandoned in the sewage drains. The story tugged at our heartstrings, highlighting the profound desire of the man who discovered the child to give them a loving family and a brighter future. However, amidst the outpouring of support, a comment stopped us in our tracks. Could this act of kindness be considered kidnapping?

It's a thought-provoking question that forces us to confront the complexity of child abandonment and the assumptions we make. Just because a child is found without identification, does it automatically mean they are an orphan without any familial ties? Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that every day, children fall victim to the heinous crimes of trafficking. Innocent babies are sold like commodities, traded by the kilogram. The unwanted ones suffer the unthinkable fate of having their organs harvested or being trapped in the dark web of the sex trade. Some children are even forcibly separated from their parents.

In the midst of this troubling reality, we are faced with an agonizing dilemma. How can we ensure that our actions are rooted in the best interests of the child? How do we uncover the truth when data sharing and accuracy pose significant challenges? We recall the efforts of Ashton Kutcher and his organization, which aims to combat child trafficking and provide a reliable source of data. Yet, ruling out all possibilities becomes an arduous task. How long should we wait? Where do we draw the line?

Here stands a child who yearns for love, care, and a chance at a brighter future. Our hearts ache with the desire to make a difference. But as we navigate the intricacies of legality, ethics, and the pursuit of truth, we must consider the potential consequences of our actions.

So, dear readers, we invite you to join us in this thought-provoking journey. Reflect on the moral dilemma that confronts us when faced with an abandoned child in desperate need of care. Let us strive to find a balance between compassion and adherence to the law, as we seek to make the right choice in a world that often blurs the lines between justice and love.

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References:

• Our Work to Defend Children From Sexual Abuse | Thorn

• Amazon, Ashton Kutcher And America’s Surveillance Of The Sex Trade