Community

More babies abandoned at hospitals

 

Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health says there has been an increase in the number of new-born babies abandoned at hospitals; with 118 left at various public hospitals so far this year.

Hospitals such as Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Carletonville, Leratong in the west of Johannesburg, Far East Rand and Thembisa have a high rate of child abandonment, the department said.

Spokesperson Kwara Kekana says the babies spend between one and four weeks at the hospital.

“Some of the reasons for abandoning babies include teenage mothers fearful of their parents, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies, lack of immediate basic supplies of clothes and toiletries for the mother and baby upon discharge, lack of emotional, financial and social support from the father, and undocumented migrant mothers,” Kekana says.

She adds that the department is seeking ways to address the situation.

“Hospital social workers can provide mothers at risk for abandonment with basic material support for the mother and child through networking with child protection organisations. This provides the mother with some immediate means to care for herself and the baby until she can make an informed decision,” Kekana adds.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *