There is in Berlin, and in every great town in the Prussian dominions, a certain edifice, properly furnished and properly attended, to which any young woman, who has the misfortune of being with child, may repair, before her shame becomes public. The utmost secrecy is preserved; she is treated with all possible care and indulgence; and a month after her lying-in discharged, with 50 crowns in her pocket, if she has had a son; and 10 crowns if she has had a daughter.
By this means the murder of bastard children is effectually prevented, by removing every temptation to it. The children are preserved to the state, and such children only as are proper objects of its care.
The unhappy women are covered from shame, and return again into society without scandal. All this is so far from encouraging prostitution, that it has the very contrary effect; for every shameless common woman is severely punished; and those only that are unhappily seduced receive the benefit of this benevolent charity.
An institution of the like kind is to be met with in the city of Copenhagen.
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