Baby Savers Protest Law Change at Union Buildings

Baby Savers South Africa organized a peaceful demonstration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday. The group protested a proposed amendment to the Children’s Act that would classify using Baby Savers as “unsafe abandonment.”

This change would effectively criminalize their life-saving work.

Protesters Gather to Voice Concerns

The demonstration began at 09:30 on Madiba Street. Participants gathered to voice their strong opposition to the legislative change. They urged the government to protect safe alternatives for vulnerable infants instead of outlawing them.

In a statement, the organization expressed deep concern. They highlighted that criminalizing safe surrender mechanisms, like Baby Saver boxes, would have dire consequences. Evidence suggests it would predictably increase unsafe infant abandonment and near-natal deaths.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

The group is calling for immediate intervention to halt the amendment. They have requested an independently reviewed approach that protects infants’ lives while upholding the rights of both children and mothers.

Justifying the Need for Baby Savers

According to the organization, an estimated 100 to 1,000 newborn infants are abandoned each year in South Africa. Many of these babies are found dead or in critical condition. This alarming statistic underscores the vital role that Baby Savers play across the country.

The organization’s spokesperson stated that these figures justify their ongoing operations. They provide a crucial, anonymous safe-haven for desperate mothers, directly preventing infant mortality. The proposed amendment, they argue, would remove this last resort and put more lives at risk.