NPR

Children's Cries Brought Down Walls Of Indifference

Thousands of migrant children have been separated from their parents by the U.S. government. NPR's Scott Simon reflects on audio recordings this week in which detained children can be heard crying.
A child rides in a stroller during a rally in El Paso, Texas Thursday to protest the Trump administration's family separations.

The cries of children pierce our hearts. Scientists say they're meant to. They move us to love and protect children. This response is healthy; it's human; and it keeps humanity going.

As Dr. Marc Bornstein at the "the infant cry and the caregiver response, have developed together to ensure the survival of the species."

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Hobbyist Photographer Snaps Photo Of Extremely Rare Bird In 1st U.S. Sighting
Michael Sanchez was testing out his new camera when he happened upon a feathered subject. The blue rock-thrush he photographed on the coast of northern Oregon last week has excited the birding world.
NPR3 min read
Apple Shows Its Steepest Quarterly Decline In IPhone Sales Since Pandemic's Outset
The 10% drop in year-over-year iPhone sales for the January-March period is latest sign of weakness in a product that generates most of Apple's revenue.
NPR5 min read
Can You Survive Summer Indoors Without AC? In Arizona, Many Don’t
Nearly half of the people who suffered heat-related deaths in Arizona last year lived outdoors without shelter, but public health officials and lawmakers are starting to pay more attention to the risk of dying indoors.

Related Books & Audiobooks