Social services for unwed mothers and their children

Abstract

In traditional human society, a long-term stable cohabitation of two persons of the opposite gender was considered essential for providing the necessary care to any offspring that arise from the reproductive activities of that couple. This was biologically and socially important primarily because of the relatively long formative period required for the human child to reach full maturity and self-sufficiency. This cohabitation was formalized with the institution of marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, which can be defined as the legally or formally recognized union of a man and a woman as life-long partners in a relationship. This union established rights and obligations between the couple, between the couple and their offspring and their in-laws, as well as society in general. One consequence of the sexual act is the generation of offspring. When conceived outside the marital environment, these innocent players were often considered an inconvenience and abandoned to the care of the state or religious authorities. Formal provisions to care for unwanted babies and foundlings were introduced in Malta during the late Medieval period, when the Universita` established a system at Ospizio Santo Spirito for the receipt and catering for the well-being and upbringing of these child. In 1518, two mammane or wet-nurses were being paid by the Ospizio to care for the foundlings at Santo Spirito. By 1554, 13 mammane were caring for 15 foundlings.20 By 1615, a system of anonymous deposition of foundlings was erected at the hospital, this consisting of a wooden cot that revolved on it vertical axis ringing a bell during the process. About eight foundlings were received annually.21 With the arrival of the Knights of Saint John in Malta, foundling care services were augmented at the Birgu Sacra Infermeria with two women being employed to bring up these children, these eventually being transferred to Valletta. These services continued to be offered right up to the end of the 18th century.