SINGAPORE - In a deeply troubling incident that has raised questions about youth education and support, a 15-year-old girl gave birth to a stillborn son in her bedroom. The shocking revelation comes after the baby was buried by the girl, who was impregnated by her 14-year-old boyfriend. The baby, who was born in June 2021, remained undiscovered until April 2022, when the girl finally confessed to the harrowing act.

On December 23, 2023, a coroner's inquiry began, marking a rare and heartbreaking case in Singapore's legal history. Inspector Thanabalan Kothandapani, the investigation officer, testified that this was the first case of its kind he had encountered in over three decades with the Singapore Police Force.

According to police reports, the investigation was triggered by a complaint from the baby’s maternal grandfather, who, along with the girl, had approached the police with their troubling story. The court revealed that the teenagers were classmates who had initiated a romantic relationship in May 2020. Their story, however, took a darker turn.

The couple faced severe challenges when the girl discovered her pregnancy in early 2021. Attempts to terminate the pregnancy using unsafe methods revealed their desperation. These included dangerous attempts to induce an abortion at home, leading to a tragic and isolating situation for the young girl, who ultimately endured a stillbirth alone while on a video call with her boyfriend.

After the birth, the girl wrapped the infant's remains in newspaper and initially kept them hidden in her room. Following pressure from her boyfriend regarding the risks of keeping the body in the house, she buried the baby in the garden just two days later. She would often visit the burial site to mourn her loss.

The case took a legal turn in February 2022 when the baby’s father received a 21-month supervised probation sentence for his role in the affair, which included charges related to underage sex and instigating the burial. The young mother was given a conditional warning, bringing focus to the need for improved protective measures and education for youth regarding sexual health.

During the inquiry, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda emphasized the importance of confidentiality for the young parents, imposing a gag order to protect their identities given their ages. Inspector Thanabalan noted that, per the girl’s account, the stillborn baby was not breathing or crying at birth, confirming the tragic outcome.

As discussions continue, the case highlights a critical need for addressing the emotional and physical challenges faced by young individuals in similar situations. With a growing portion of youth facing issues relating to sex education, mental health, and support systems, this inquiry serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue and comprehensive education on these pivotal issues.

As the coroner adjourned the hearing, many are left anticipating the findings that will shed light on this heartbreaking story, questioning how society can better safeguard its youth against such tragedies in the future.