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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