On April 2, the heartbreaking case of a newborn boy found buried in a Singapore garden came to light during a coroner’s inquiry. The child’s parents were minors at the time of the birth, and details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear.

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda gave an open verdict, explaining that the advanced state of decomposition made it impossible to determine the baby’s cause of death. The Singapore Medical Association explains that authorities issue an open verdict when they cannot reasonably ascertain the cause of death based on available evidence.

The autopsy results were inconclusive, unable to confirm whether the baby had been stillborn or was alive at birth. This uncertainty has made it impossible to determine whether any crime had occurred.

Cases like this often fall into legal grey areas. Without conclusive forensic findings, determining accountability becomes difficult. It also raises questions about how teenage pregnancies are handled, especially when minors involved may not be aware of or have access to necessary medical care and emotional support.

This case also serves as a somber reminder of the importance of early education around reproductive health and the need for accessible, non-judgmental support systems for teenagers. When minors are left to navigate unplanned pregnancies alone, the consequences can be dire for both parent and child.

While the legal inquiry may have reached an open-ended conclusion, the emotional and societal implications remain. Cases like this underscore the urgency of bridging the gap in mental health care, sexual education, and safe support services for vulnerable youth.

This tragic incident sparks an important conversation about how we, as a society, can do better. We have the power to take meaningful action from improving education to creating safe, anonymous spaces where young people can seek help. These efforts ensure that no one has to face such situations in silence or fear.