Person who left baby ‘needs help’

CRISIS pregnancy support group CURA yesterday urged the public not to prejudge the person who dumped a newborn child in Co Dublin.

“No one, at this stage, knows what could be going through that person’s mind,” CURA national co-ordinator Máiréad Curran said.

While reluctant to comment on any specific case, she urged the mother, or family, of the child to come forward for help.

“We will offer help in any way possible,” she said. “It’s an extremely sensitive situation and no one really knows what the mother is going through at this stage.

"This unfortunate type of tragedy has happened in the past and the mother of the child can be assured, at this stage, that the gardaí have experience in dealing with it. They are extremely sensitive and will provide every support required for the mother,” Ms Curran said.

“No one, at this early stage, should judge the mother or any other person involved in this tragic situation. They must be in a dreadful state and what is needed is positive support and help.”

Last year, the organisation reached out to more than 13,000 mothers-to-be who found themselves in a difficult situation. A free and confidential service, CURA did not provide a breakdown on people who seek their support.

“It’s a common myth that it’s mainly young, unmarried, mothers who come to CURA,” she said.

“But we regularly offer help and support to women of older age groups who may have their families raised and are faced with an unwanted pregnancy. Whatever the case, we listen with sympathy and understanding,” she said.

“No one is pressurised into doing anything and our support is unconditional. No matter what we are told, we never judge any person.

"Our role is to provide crisis pregnancy counselling. Our staff and volunteers are trained to listen. Most of those coming to CURA are in a distressed state. We listen and try to get them to explore their needs and fears.” CURA: national helpline 1850 622626