The organisations say the Department of Social Development’s draft legislation, which includes “baby savers” in the legal definition of abandonment, would endanger vulnerable infants. The protest is taking place ahead of the close of the public comment period on Saturday.
Co-founder of Baby Savers SA, Dr Whitney Rosenberg, said the proposed changes would have devastating consequences.
“Members of Baby Savers SA, as well as members of the public, will be coming together to show support and request that this amendment be stopped. We believe that if we were to be shut down, children will die from unsafe abandonment,” Rosenberg said.
Baby savers are secure facilities where mothers can anonymously and safely leave unwanted newborns, allowing social workers to take over their care. Advocates say the practice has saved hundreds of lives by preventing infants from being left in unsafe conditions.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
