Greater awareness of baby boxes needed

In light of the body of a baby girl found in a dustbin on Fifth Avenue, the founder of Edenvale-based Tree of Hope has called for greater awareness of baby boxes.

The child’s body was abandoned in a dustbin on July 2 and found by a recycler searching for materials.

The baby was declared dead by paramedics on the scene.

Founder of Tree of Hope Lelani le Roux said she was angered by the news of the deceased child.

“From what I was told the baby was found by the recycler in a black bag with placenta, tea bags, a plastic bottle and old vegetables.”

Edenvale SAPS told the NEWS on July 2 that the child was a stillborn.

Le Roux, who was at the scene, believes the child was a late-term abortion.

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“I believe the abortion was done illegally as abortions in South Africa are not done after 13 weeks of pregnancy in general.

“There may be several reasons why women seek an illegal abortion. Many women who get illegal abortions are shamed at the clinic or by society and sometimes they feel as if they have no other choice.”

Le Roux called for mothers who either give birth to premature babies, stillborn babies, illegal abortions or don’t want to keep the child to follow the correct procedure and either call the police or the hospital.

“The mothers need to inform authorities to ensure that they are okay and the child is okay if it is alive.

“Although mothers may be overwhelmed, they need to know that there are options.

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“Babies can be safely abandoned at Tree of Hope’s baby box at 23 Fifth Avenue near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Second Street alternatively Child Welfare branches can be called for assistance.

For Kempton Park, community members may contact Sharon from Life Link Pregnancy Crisis Centre on 083 562 6160.