Activists urge Social Development to reconsider decision on Baby savers

Activists from Child Protection Services and Baby Savers SA held a peaceful protest at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Friday, opposing a proposed amendment to the Children’s Act that would criminalise the use of baby savers.

The groups are calling on the Department of Social Development (DSD) to withdraw the proposed change, warning it could endanger more newborns by removing a safe alternative for desperate mothers.

Earlier this month, the DSD published the draft Children’s Amendment Bill, 2025, which redefines an “abandoned child” to include infants relinquished in baby boxes.

The public has until Sunday, 26 October, to submit written comments on the Bill.

Activists warn that such a change could put more newborns at risk by removing a safe alternative for desperate mothers.

“Evidence and recent South African data indicate that criminalising or banning safe-surrender mechanisms will predictably increase unsafe infant abandonment, neonatal deaths, and the marginalisation and criminalisation of desperate mothers,” the group said.

Baby savers are secure, anonymous drop-off points hat allow mothers to safely leave unwanted newborns.

When a baby is placed in the box, an alarm is automatically triggered to alert caregivers, ensuring the infant receives immediate care.

Baby Savers SA estimates that between 100 and 1,000 newborns are abandoned in South Africa each year — many found dead or in critical condition.

Co-founder Dr. Whitney Rosenberg warns that criminalising baby boxes would likely lead to more unsafe abandonments.

“Removing this safe option will only drive more mothers to leave their babies in unsafe conditions,” Rosenberg said.

The activists insist that baby savers play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable infants and providing desperate mothers with a humane, non-punitive option.

Save the baby savers in South Africa – prevent unsafe abandonment!! pic.twitter.com/hz9cMg3t8Y

— Jen (@JennaCrilly2) October 22, 2025

It’s more important to email DSD with your objection to the amendment of the bill than to sign the petition
The petition shows your support of baby savers being legally recognized
Your objection has to be noted by the DSD official
The petition is support, the objection has IMPACT pic.twitter.com/doPwmqrVz2

— Baby Savers SA (@BabySaversSA) September 30, 2025

YNews reached out to the Department of Social Development for comment.

In response, departmental spokesperson Sandy Godlwana, said the department has, for now, decided not to comment on the issue of baby savers.

“Please note that for now, the Department took a decision not to communicate about the baby savers. We are allowing members of the public to send their inputs. We have been encouraging members of the public to share their inputs on this matter before 26 October 2025,” she said.