Reinventing the foundling wheel

Although the practice of setting up baby hatches is new in China, other countries have been using similar programs for some time.

In Germany, mothers can leave their unwanted children anonymously at a Babyklappe, or baby window, at some hospitals. Any mother who regrets her actions can reclaim her child within eight weeks via DNA tests and without any legal repercussions.

In the United States, "safe haven" laws allow parents to anonymously leave newborns in safe locations such as firehouses, hospitals and police stations. However, the child must be within the age limit required by the laws, which vary from state to state.