Task force finds ‘violations’ of taped baby’s rights by Cebu maternity house

(Updated 11:30 a.m.) An inter-agency task force has found violations by a maternity house in Cebu City of the rights of a baby whose mouth was taped with a pacifier earlier this year.

 

During a meeting Wednesday, the task force discussed the violations by the Cebu Puericulture Center and Maternity House, GMA Cebu's Bexmae Jumao-as reported.

 

The task force also learned at least five babies were "victims" of the maternity house's practice of applying medical tape on the infants' mouths to put pacifiers in place.

 

While the task force did not immediately give details of its findings, it is expected to come out with a resolution on the matter within 15 working days, the report said.

 

According to the task force, its findings may be used in court, both by the maternity house and the parents of the baby.

 

But more importantly, the findings could be used as basis for guidelines that will improve infant care services and prevent a repeat of the taping incident.

 

The task force also expects to formulate clearer guidelines on child protection for private and government agencies.