A young woman who is alleged to have abandoned her newborn twins in a garbage can at their home causing them to die had her case referred back to the District Court when she appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Suivaisala Grace Tuigamala, 20, appeared before the Supreme Court unrepresented and was told by Judge Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke that her matter would be referred to the District Court on 17 June. This will also allow the prosecution to finalise charges against her.

This incident was reported to the police in March. According to the police, initial investigations at that time found the young woman was in a critical condition and upon closer examination at the hospital, the doctors found that she had recently given birth.

It was only then that the family went back to search their home. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the incident surfaced when the 20-year-old woman was taken to the hospital by her family.

The newborn twins, a baby boy and a baby girl were found in the rubbish, however, they were both deceased.

This was not the first of such incident. In November 2024, the police also investigated an incident where a baby boy who was found dead in the toilets of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital.

Also in 2020, the body of a newborn baby girl was found in the bushes at Vailu'utai village and a 24-year-old woman was charged by police.

Organisations such as Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) say this latest incident raises public concerns, and they call out all women in similar situations, that help is always available.

President Siliniu Lina Chang said this is very sad to hear about, and their Helpline is always available 24/7 for any young woman who is going through an unwanted pregnancy.

"SVSG caters for children whose families cannot raise or care for them, and especially young mothers who have difficulties with pregnancies at home. We are very happy to welcome you with open arms," Siliniu said.

"I know that this is the problem faced by young girls who get pregnant at a very young age but please there is always our free helpline to contact anytime you need help."