Why is there a distressing rise in the number of babies being abandoned in Kashmir

There could be several reasons behind the distressing rise in the number of babies being abandoned in Kashmir: 1. Social stigma: Unmarried mothers or couples who are unable to raise a child due to financial or other reasons may face societal pressure, leading them to abandon their babies. 2. Lack of awareness and access to contraception: Limited knowledge about contraception and limited access to reproductive healthcare may contribute to unintended pregnancies and subsequent abandonments. 3. Poverty and unemployment: Economic instability can make it challenging for families to provide for their children, leading them to abandon infants they cannot afford to care for. 4. Conflict and displacement: Kashmir has experienced prolonged political conflict, which has resulted in displacement and disrupted social structures. These factors may contribute to the abandonment of babies as families struggle to cope with the effects of conflict. 5. Lack of support systems: Absence of adequate support systems, such as childcare facilities, orphanages, and adoption services, may discourage families from seeking alternative options to abandonment. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including raising awareness about family planning, providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare, creating employment opportunities, improving social support systems, and promoting education and empowerment for women.