Single mums not criminals, have equal right to benefits

It is disturbing that the writer of “Unequal benefits for single unwed mums a matter of deterrence” (Aug 3) appears to equate children born out of wedlock with criminal offences that require harsh deterrent measures.

Even if they do not conform to the state’s preferred formulation of the heterosexual nuclear family, single mothers are not criminals deserving of punishment. They, too, are part of a family unit, and their children are as precious as any other child here.

No one is arguing for single mothers and their children to be accorded special privileges; we are saying that they, as citizens, have an equal right to benefits and social support.

Unwed mothers have made their choices, and it is not up to us as a society to penalise them and their children simply because we disapprove. The state has an obligation to all its citizens, and not only to those who help to fulfil its policy goals.

While we are free to hold views on any number of issues, personal moral judgments should not factor into whether a citizen should have access to the same rights and benefits as others.

As a developed, wealthy nation, Singapore is well-positioned to reduce inequality and increase opportunities for social mobility. This is achieved through support for all the vulnerable here.

Single mothers and their children are part of Singaporean society and are no less capable of contributing to the community as any other citizen. It is only right that they are given equal access to aid and opportunities.