Two In Three Abandoned Babies Die

in #life6 years ago

In South Africa child abandonment is no new scandal, in fact, recent statistics show that on average 300 babies are abandoned every month, and this is just the number of those who survive. Every two in three abandoned babies die. They die because they are not abandoned at hospitals or fire station entrances like in the movies, they are abandoned in drains, in latrines and worst of all, on heaps of garbage. This, my friends, is South Africa.

Research shows that 65% of abandoned children are new-borns, and 90% are under the age of one. - https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/real-people/abandoned-babies-an-ongoing-tragedy

In my country, despite the very real statistics, it is illegal to safely abandon a child. This means that legally, baby safes are not allowed, leaving only a few brave hospitals and non-profits to break the law and set up baby doors in walls, where the health and safety of the babies can be guaranteed. While some might argue that baby safes will just encourage child abandonment to increase, others argue that even if this is so, the survival rate of these innocent babies will increase and their abandoners will not have to face charges of culpable homicide and murder. 

Girls under the age of 18 can consent to an abortion but cannot place a child for adoption without the consent of a parent or guardian. - https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/real-people/abandoned-babies-an-ongoing-tragedy

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WHY ARE PARENTS NEGLIGENTLY ABANDONING THEIR CHILDREN?


Poverty plays a big role. So does health, since HIV and Aids is widespread in South Africa. Those who abandon their children do so because they simply cannot afford them, or are not well enough to care for them. Then there is rape, another horrid statistic we have to accept, which leads to unwanted pregnancies, and unwanted children (combine this with the fact that illegal abortions are widespread, and often unsuccessful). And then you get those cultural beliefs and concerns around the formal practice of adoption, which in the African culture is actually seen as a taboo and frowned upon as unnatural (but throwing kids away is ok apparently). 

For the most part however, children are abandoned out of fear and lack of education. This goes hand in hand with poverty I guess, where communities are not taught safe sex practices as well as what options you have when you do fall pregnant, options that will ensure that everyone in the picture is well-taken care of and respected. 

Government policy is also a huge contributing factor, as is anti-adoption sentiment on the part of many state officials. - https://www.peoplemagazine.co.za/real-people/abandoned-babies-an-ongoing-tragedy

SO, WHAT NEEDS TO GIVE? HOW CAN WE PROTECT THESE CHILDREN?


  • Lowering the age of consent for foster care placement, at least until the birth mother is 18 and can decide on whether she wants to place her child up for adoption or not. 
  • Unauthorized individuals who administer illegal and unsafe abortions need to be prosecuted.
  • Safe abandonment laws need to be re-looked at with the idea of opening safe havens around the country where babies can be left anonymously. 
  • Xenophobic policies regarding foreigners and barriers to adoption need to be revised and solutions applied.
  • Vulnerable and pregnant women need to be shown more support, by their communities and health care providers. NPOs who focus on assisting and providing counsel for pregnant women need to be supported and encouraged to grow nation-wide.



While baby abandonment is happening every day on an ongoing basis, my request to you is that you will use this week, Child Protection Week May 27- June 3 2018, to further educate yourself on child abandonment and to be more aware of women around you who are pregnant and unsure of what to do when their child is born. Please also pay attention to mothers who seem overwhelmed, depressed or distressed and help where you can. Support your local Pregnancy Crisis centres by making donations or volunteering your time for fundraisers or general help and support. 

Let’s play a role in decreasing these statistics, ensuring that every life gets to be loved, appreciated and saved.

www.crisispregnancy.org.za

[email protected]

Much love - @sweetpea

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It's horrible how there can be human beings so capable of doing that Amiga barbarity.

Poverty has a big role in this abandonment.

Yes, poverty and a lack of education, mixed with lack of support from the government.

OMG ... whyyyyy??? I'll take one!! :'(

contraception --- i just don't get it ... i'll be saddened by thinking about this today. Tears.

Sorry to have saddened you, but it is, unfortunately, a sad reality. Contraception falls in line with education and poverty, so many are unaware of contraception, how to use it or battle to access it. It really is such a pity.

this day and age its just depressing ... another way to keep people down. uneducation and pregnancy. dumb it down. just sad. many reports were showing an upturn change 2015 ish guess not?? id have to research. trust but verify

That’s so scary. Poor young mothers and their babies, they are so insecure in their own country :’-(

They truly are, the get slack from their families, vulnerable women are raped and abused, they have no money, and then they are left pregnant and afraid, with not enough options where they can seek help without being judged.

I had no idea that this was such a huge problem in South Africa. The solutions you provided sound like they needed to be implemented a long time ago, particularly the one about having safe havens. Are there any charities that help with this problem? I am always looking for good charities to donate to.

Yup, they should have been implemented yonks ago, sad thing is they are nowhere near being worked on with full force. There are a few charities yes, this one is doing the most to campaign for the cause: http://www.adoptioncoalitionsa.org/

This is actually really scary to think that this is really happening all around us!

Yes, sad but true.

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Children need sex education from within school environment, many families do not discuss the topic at all.

The stats are disgustingly high @sweetpea poverty is at ridiculous levels as well 1 in every 10 people go to bed hungry in this country.

The dream of a rainbow nation, no gold pot at the end of this rainbow, hard work together is the only way forward.

Yup, time to roll up our sleeves and do the work ourselves. The stats are terrible and are only getting worse by the day. Baby homes are filling up, in fact, most of them are over the legal capacity, but there is just nowhere else for all of these kids to go!

Such a sad reality, and brava to you for speaking about it, even though it's not the happiest of topics. This is something that everyone, not just South Africans, should be aware of because while the statistics may vary, this struggle is worldwide.

And on the other end of the spectrum, I know of a couple who tried for years to adopt (after struggling with infertility). They finally gave up because they ran out of money & hope. It hurts my brain that these amazing people - intelligent, good jobs, nice home - were continually passed over. Last I heard, they were looking into foster care - something I've wanted to do forever (I had foster sisters growing up), but I haven't even bothered to apply since the regulations are now so strict.

Here's to hoping that someday, statistics like this will be a thing of the past!

I hope so too @traciyork, but sadly it looks like they will only get worse. And adoption should NOT cost anything! It frustrates me so much that the cost of adoption is so high, that is scandalous in itself! I am attending a workshop next weekend where hubby and I will find out how we can become foster parents too, if I could I would take all of these kids into my home! I too am infertile, sigh, just.does.not.make.sense!

I completely agree! I'll be keeping you and your husband in my thoughts, and I hope the workshop goes well for you.

This is so very sad! At Papillon we do what we can for an NPO that cares for abandoned babies and the good news is that their staff were trained in accredited computer courses at The Papillon Foundation. Unfortunately Papillon is also an NPO and as you might know, NPO's, especially smaller ones struggle for support in our country! Blessings and upvoted!

Ah man, that's so great that you as an NPO support other NPOs, even though you battle yourselves! I know the topic is morbid and depressing, but it is a sad reality, and like I mentioned above, baby homes are fast filling up to over capacity.

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