Child Rescue Magazine

THE ISSUE OF BABY
ABANDONMENT IS A SEVERE AND
HEARTBREAKING REALITY THAT
NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION AND ACTION
IN OUR COUNTRY.
The act of dumping an unwanted baby in dangerous and inhumane
locations like rivers, pit toilets, or rubbish dumps is a tragic and
severe form of child abandonment that puts the lives of innocent
infants at grave risk. This is a heartbreaking reflection of the
desperate situation prospective parents find themselves in due
to complex social, economic and psychological factors.
To address this extreme form of baby abandonment and prevent
these tragic incidents from occurring it is imperative to take
immediate action by implementing targeted interventions.
The “baby saver” or “baby box,” also known as a “door of hope,”
is indeed a remarkable innovation that has provided a safe
and anonymous way for anguished parents to relinquish their
newborn baby in a secure manner while ensuring the well-being
and survival of the infant. Baby boxes are typically installed in
hospitals, fire stations, or other designated trustworthy locations
enabling distraught parents to safely and anonymously place
their baby in the box. When the box is opened an alarm is triggered
and a message sent to alerted caregivers who then retrieve the
baby enabling the provision of immediate care and setting in
motion the process of future provision for the child.
The concept of baby boxes or baby savers has been implemented
in various countries around the world as a response to the issue
of baby abandonment and as a means of preventing tragedies
resulting from infants being abandoned in unsafe locations.
These facilities offer a compassionate and non-judgmental
alternative for parents who may feel overwhelmed or who are
unable to care for their newborns, providing a second chance for
these babies to be placed in safe hands and receive the care and
support they need.
The introduction of baby boxes has been widely regarded as
a significant transformation in child welfare and protection,
offering a practical solution to a complex and sensitive issue. By
providing a safe and anonymous way for parents to surrender their
babies, baby boxes help to ensure that infants are not abandoned
in dangerous or life-threatening situations, while also offering
BY PS IGNAT VAN DYK 4