Morrison’s comments came as funds raised online by an Australian charity to pay for the infant’s medical care rose above $180,000 after a flood of international goodwill for the infant’s plight spurred donations from more than 4,500 people.
The boy, Gammy, and a twin sister were born to Thai woman Pattaramon Chanbua in December after she was reportedly paid Aus$16,000 (US$14,900) to be a surrogate.
An unnamed Australian couple took the sister, who was healthy, but left Gammy behind, according to media reports.
The baby boy also suffers from a life-threatening heart condition, and 21-year-old Pattaramon had earlier said she could not afford to pay for the medical treatment he needs.
‘I think this is an absolutely heart-breaking story, it really is,’ Morrison told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
‘I think perhaps this may fall more into the territory of what people’s moral responsibilities are here.
‘I note there was a comment earlier that the mother of this child, baby Gammy, wants the child to remain in Thailand and that mother’s wishes also have to be absolutely respected.’
Pattaramon told Fairfax Media late Saturday she wanted to take care of the boy in Thailand, saying: ‘I’ll take care of Gammy on my own. I’ll not give my baby to anybody.
‘I wish they will love my baby ... I forgive them for everything. That is the best thing I can do, forgive ... it is best for everybody,’ she said of the Australian couple.
‘I want to see all my children back together again. I don’t really think too much about the Australian couple.