Just as the Education Ministry embraces the belief that every school is a good school, it should be recognised that every child is an important child (Unwed mum adopts own biological daughter; May 11).

In this day and age, the stigma of illegitimacy should be removed so as not to burden the child, and to level the playing field for all children.

All benefits given to children of married parents should be accorded to those born to single mothers. I do not see why the latter group of children should be disadvantaged through no fault of their own.

Although single mothers are now given full maternity leave, there needs to be a review of what other statutory benefits are denied to them and their offspring.

In any case, the concept of illegitimacy is an outdated one, even if we want to promote marriage and encourage more children to be born within marriages.

Despite the heavy burden they must shoulder, unmarried pregnant women show courage by choosing to keep their babies rather than opting for an abortion.

The authorities need to review the laws that lead to the absurd situation of biological mothers needing to adopt their own children to "legitimise" them.

Lynne Tan Sok Hiang (Ms)