As more newborns are dumped, social development dept urges women to seek help
As more newborns are being found, the department wants mothers to know that they have options.
The newborn baby boy was found in one of the restrooms at Ilanga Mall. Picture: iStock
After a newborn was recovered from a pit toilet in Mafakathini in Taylor’s Halt in Pietermaritzburg this past weekend, the department of social development urged mothers to get help. According to IOL, the baby was saved by the family, cleaned from faeces, and subsequently checked by medical professionals. The baby was fortunately unharmed.
KZN department of social development spokesperson Mhlabunzima Memela did not believe that women still opted for dumping their newborns instead of considering other options.
Under lockdown, the National Adoption Coalition of SA (Nacsa) stats indicate that child abandonment has increased by 80%.
“We have seen an 80% increase. There were 13 abandonments in the period of February/March and 23 in the period of April/May. We expect this to continue,” said Nacsa vice-chair Sue Krawitz. This is according to a June article by The Citizen.
Also Read: Baby dumping increases under lockdown hardships
The department urges mothers to either legally terminate their pregnancies, or seek assistance from the department regarding putting the child up for adoption if there are concerns of financial constraints.
Also Read: Unsafe abortions in Kenya leading to the deaths of thousands of women
“Rather than dump a child in such a painful manner and leave them to die, at least get in touch with the department. Social workers will assist you and give you options,” said Memela.
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