GAUTENG.- This compares with 145 abandoned babies in 2020, and 56 babies abandoned in Gauteng hospital from January to August this year. Jack Bloom, the DA’s shadow MEC for Health said that these figures are disclosed by the Gauteng Health Department in a written reply to his recent questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
Thelle Mogoerane Hospital was the worst affected, with 15 abandoned babies last year. Other hospitals with significant numbers include the following:
Tembisa Hospital – 13
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – 12
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital – 12
Leratong Hospital – 11
George Mukhari Hospital – 10
Far East Rand Hospital – 7
Sebokeng – 7
Edenvale Hospital – 6
Mamelodi Hospital – 5
“The hospitals all identify the poor socio-economic background of mothers as a major reason for babies abandoned in their wards”.
Other reasons include the following:
- babies born from broken relationships.
- deliberate furnishing of wrong identifying details by migrant mothers due to fear of deportation.
- babies born disabled, so mothers abandon them.
- unplanned pregnancies.
- poor support system, fear of rejection by partner or family.
- teenagers conceal their pregnancies to avoid social stigmatisation.
- sex workers with repeat deliveries.
- admitted substance abuse mothers give birth then abandon babies because they need a quick fix.
