Since the Helderberg Baby Saver (HBS) was launched in 2014 thirteen babies have been safely relinquished through it. The first six babies came in over a period of 8 years with the last seven being placed in the Saver since March of last year.
The HBS is placed in the wall of Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre in Somerset West and is a safe relinquishment alternative for a desperate parent if they are planning on abandoning their newborn.
Sandy Immelman, founder of the Helderberg Baby Saver, says the saver is available 24-hours a day, every day, there are no cameras and it is safe to use anonymously.
“Babies coming through the Saver are checked by paramedics, then transported to Helderberg Hospital for observation, where after a child protection organisation gets legal permission to place them in temporary safe care for a prescribed period (while adverts are placed in order for parents to come forward), where after they are placed for adoption.”
She mentions that last week Baby Bella, their thirteenth baby, was placed safely in the HBS.
“She was well dressed, healthy and clean – clearly her mommy loved her and must have been desperate to have reached this decision. We are truly grateful that she knew about the Saver so that she could safely relinquish her baby when she felt she had no other options.”
Amanda-Lea Jones and Monique Tarling of the HBS First Responder team were on the scene within minutes, as were security officers from Secure Rite Security (who monitor the Saver alarm) and GBMed paramedics who examined little Bella once she was taken out of the Saver.
“Amanda-Lea then accompanied her in the ambulance to Helderberg Hospital where Jasmyn de Waal, a social worker, attended to her. We are very grateful that this precious little girl was safely relinquished, and not just abandoned. Her mother or parents made a brave decision for her future well-being. It is clear that the need for Savers is escalating and we encourage everyone to join in with Baby Savers South Africa in the fight to have a safe haven law established in this country in order to save these little lives.”
. For more information visit babysaver.co.za and babysaverssa.co.za.
