WATCH | Baby Saver boxes: lifelines to moms or criminal tools? | Breaking News & Latest South Africa Updates

WATCH | Baby Saver boxes: lifelines to moms or criminal tools? — In 1999, a metal box called the “Door of Hope” was installed at a church in Johannesburg, offering birth mothers in crisis a safer way to leave their ...

In 1999, a metal box called the “Door of Hope” was installed at a church in Johannesburg, offering birth mothers in crisis a safer way to leave their babies. Over 25 years, hundreds of newborns have been left there.

This method, known as “safe relinquishment”, is meant togive mothers a wayto deposit babies anonymously and without fear of judgment and punishment if they’re unable to look after them. ButSouth Africa's lawsdon't recognise this practice.

Now, a group called Baby Savers South Africa is taking the Gauteng department of social development (DSD) to court for banning baby savers. DSD argues the boxes promote abandonment and child trafficking.

But,some experts say, with about 3,500 babies abandoned in this country each year, the government’s money would be best spent giving practical help to mothers in the form of amaternal support grant.

WATCH HERE:

This story was produced by theBhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for thenewsletter

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