Durban - Babysavers SA has urged desperate mothers to seek out a local baby saver as a last resort, when all other options have failed, rather than leaving babies exposed and vulnerable.
Babysavers SA is an organisation that provides a safe alternative to unsafe baby abandonment.
The organisation has sent out this appeal after a mother abandoned her infant in Verulam, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The mother left a note stating that social workers failed to assist her in time and claimed that left her with no choice, she has since come forward and was arrested after reportedly handing herself over to police.
Nadene Grabham of Babysavers SA said lawmakers should look at legislation around relinquishment of babies so harm can be limited.
"Abandoning an infant is dangerous. We need to limit the risk factors that contribute to its occurrence while strengthening the protective factors that can prevent it. This means, in part, that we need to educate mothers and give them a viable alternative to this desperate course of action," said Grabham.
A baby saver is a box that is built into a wall and is fitted with an alarm that is triggered when a baby is placed inside. A response team will collect the baby within a few minutes after an alarm is triggered.
“This is a safe alternative to baby abandonment.
"The aim of Babysavers is to reduce unsafe abandonment of infants through guidance of relevant organisations with regards to installing and safely operating certified baby savers all over South Africa," she elaborated.
She said that there is a critical need to promote access to unbiased counselling and encourage support of mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy, to ensure baby savers are a last resort regarding safe relinquishment.