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Mom-to-be outsources baby’s naming rights for $5 000

March 1 2013 at 08:00am

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A California woman expecting a baby in September has agreed to allow online voters name her child in exchange for $5 000 (R44 200).

Natasha Hill, a 26-year-old art teacher from Los Angeles, won a contest launched by Belly Ballot, an Austin, Texas-based startup that allows expecting parents to crowdsource their baby names with friends and family.

Hill was one of 80 women to enter the site’s Belly Branding contest. According to Belly Ballot, voters will be presented with a list of 10 names – five boy names and five girl names – selected by the company and advertisers sponsoring the contest.

According to Belly Ballot founder Lacey Moler, product names or names that were “too crazy” would not be allowed.

Hill said she planned to use the cash to pay down credit card debt and start a college fund for her unborn child.

“I’m so excited to have won!” she wrote in a post on the Belly Ballot blog. “The whole Belly Ballot concept is so social and fun, and can’t wait to see what everyone votes for!”

Online voting takes place from March 18-22, and the girl and boy names with the most votes when the ballot concludes will be one that Hill’s baby will legally have – at least until he or she turns 18.

The contest has stirred debate among traditionalists who believe deciding on a baby name should be a personal decision among parents. – Sapa-AP


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