NGOs Warn Banning Baby Boxes In South Africa Could Lead To More Newborn Dumpings

Organisations that care for abandoned infants are pleading with the government to reconsider plans that could effectively shut down baby boxes—safe spaces where desperate mothers can anonymously leave unwanted newborns.

The Department of Social Development recently closed public submissions on its draft Children’s Amendment Bill, which proposes stricter regulations for baby drop-off centres. Critics say the amendments would make their operations illegal, worsening the crisis of newborn abandonment.

Those running these centres argue that outlawing them will push vulnerable mothers to unsafe, life-threatening options. “The reality is that babies are being dumped in dustbins and in rivers,” one advocate said.

“I mean, I have picked up these foetuses in the city of Pretoria, so that is not the first option, it’s the last resort, and that is the deepest heartfelt appeal we make, to see this as the last resort for desperate mothers.”

Newborn Abandonments on the Rise

Tragic cases continue to highlight the crisis. “On the 1st of August, a newborn was found wrapped in a plastic bag and found dumped in Cosmo City, Extension 6.

“On the 23rd of July, children discovered the body of a newborn baby in a river in Emalahleni. Ward 10 councillor, Lucky Ngwenya, said this is the fifth baby dumped here.”

Section 1a of the draft Children’s Amendment Bill categorises infants left in baby boxes as “abandoned”, meaning drop-off centres could face criminal charges for providing this service. NGOs have since made a direct plea to the Presidency to reconsider and soften the proposed legislation.

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“They can’t take care of themselves properly, so how can you take care of a baby when you can’t even take care of your own personal needs,” said one advocate, referring to mothers in crisis who rely on these facilities.

The Department of Social Development declined to comment, citing an ongoing court matter related to the Children’s Act and child abandonment. The deadline for public submissions on the draft Bill closed on 25 October.

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