In another horrifying story, a mother was caught on CCTV leaving her baby on the road in front of a shop before walking away
A heartbreaking pattern has emerged in recent times; headlines and viral videos documenting mothers making unimaginable decisions that result in the suffering or loss of innocent children. These stories are more than just shocking; they are tragic reminders of how society continues to fail in supporting mental health, maternal care, and emotional well-being.
1
Children in an Oven
In a deeply disturbing video that recently went viral, a father is seen returning home to a horrifying discovery; his young children allegedly placed in an oven by their own mother. While the details remain unverified and the source unclear, the footage sparked widespread outrage, sorrow, and urgent discussions online. Beyond the horror, this incident reflects something far more complex: the silent and escalating crisis of untreated mental illness, postpartum distress, and the crushing isolation some mothers face. While social media reacts to the shock value, we must focus on the root causes, mental instability, emotional overload, and the dangers of unspoken struggles.
2
A Baby Left Alone for 10 Days
Another case that shocked the world involved a mother who allegedly left her infant alone at home for 10 days while she vacationed with her boyfriend. Tragically, the child died in her absence. Neighbours reported hearing cries in the early days, but no one intervened in time. This is not just an act of neglect, it may be the result of emotional detachment, untreated trauma, lack of maturity, or an overwhelming absence of support and guidance.
3
Abandoned on the Street
In another horrifying story, a mother was caught on CCTV leaving her baby on the road in front of a shop before walking away. The footage went viral, triggering public outrage. Fortunately, passersby rescued the child and alerted the authorities. The mother was later arrested.
4
A Disturbing Pattern: What’s Going Wrong?
These are not isolated incidents. Similar stories are emerging around the world, including Sri Lanka. Infants abandoned in hospitals. Toddlers left in the care of strangers. Babies discarded in public toilets or garbage bins.
5
So, what is pushing mothers to these extremes?
While some cases may involve substance abuse, irresponsibility, or malicious intent, many are rooted in deeper issues, untreated mental illness, poverty, lack of education, unplanned pregnancies, or abusive relationships. Some mothers were too young. Others were simply unprepared and unsupported.
6
Society’s Role: More Than Just Punishment
- Where were the support systems for these women?
- Were they monitored during pregnancy or postpartum?
- Did they have access to family, community, or healthcare support?
- Were they ever taught how to manage the pressures of motherhood?
- This is not just a maternal failure; it’s a societal one.
A Call for Change
These stories are a wake-up call. We need:
Mandatory parenting education
- Stronger maternal mental health services
- Regular counseling and follow-ups for new mothers
- Safe spaces for women to speak without fear of judgment
- No mother should feel ashamed to say, “I can’t do this.” They should be met with compassion, not condemnation. Behind every abandoned child is often a story of pain, confusion, and isolation. It’s time to stop blaming only the outcome and start addressing the root causes.
8
Rizana Nafeek: A Different Kind of Tragedy
Rizana Nafeek’s story is another tragic chapter, albeit in a different context. At just 17, she was sent from Sri Lanka to work in Saudi Arabia as a domestic helper. When the baby she was caring for died under her watch, she was blamed and ultimately executed. Many questioned whether she received proper legal support or even fully understood the proceedings, given the language barriers. This was not just a legal failure; it was a failure to protect underage migrant workers and to advocate for their rights.
9
A Mother Ends Her Life After Killing Her Children
In India, a young mother, overwhelmed by poverty and isolation, poisoned her children before taking her own life. Her suicide note revealed a crushing sense of hopelessness; she couldn’t afford to feed or protect her children. Once again, mental health was the unseen killer.
10
A Baby Found in a Garbage Bin
Newborns are still being discovered in garbage bins, outside temples, and in public restrooms, left behind by young women terrified of shame, judgment, or social rejection. Often, these are the consequences of unplanned pregnancies and the absence of safe, supportive alternatives. Motherhood is a lifelong commitment. It should not be forced or taken lightly. If someone feels emotionally, mentally, or financially unprepared to raise a child, it is far more responsible to seek help or delay parenthood than to bring a life into the world only to let it suffer. Children deserve love, safety, and care, not to be the casualties of their parents’ trauma or the failures of the systems meant to protect them.
Being a mother should be a choice, made with readiness, not pressure or guilt.
