Alternatives to abandoning babies
The pastor and deacons of the Berea Baptist Church learnt with deep distress that a high number new-born infants were being abandoned in the area.
In recent weeks, the EXPRESS has reported about a number of incidents where new-born babies and foetuses were found abandoned, the latest being last week.
A non-profit organisation (NPO) known as the Door of Hope seeks to highlight the fact that abandoning babies is not the final resort when mothers feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.
The organisation was established by Pastor Cheryl Allen in 1999. The pastor and deacons of the Berea Baptist Church learnt with deep distress that a high number new-born infants were being abandoned in the area. The pastor realised that many of those desperate women and girls may well have acted differently had there been an alternative.
The church made a hole in their wall and a baby bin was installed, allowing mothers to leave their babies at any time of the day or night. The moment a baby is placed, care workers on duty receive an electronic signal alerting them. The baby is taken in and the anonymity of the “donor” is ensured. The organisation has had babies brought personally by their mothers, or through other means such as the police, community members, hospitals or clinics. From small, humble beginnings, the ministry has grown and over 100 children’s lives are saved every year and more than 1 350 to date.
The home, situated on 17 Doris Street in Berea, can host up to eighteen babies from 0 to 12 months and also has a specific Toddler Department in the house. As an NPO, the organisation relies on donations and volunteer aid.
“I think our greatest need is certainly exposure to those who need to know that there is another option to killing or abandoning your baby in rubbish bins or the veld,” said Ms Marcelle Coertze, the liason officer for Door of Hope.
Constable Thabo Malatji of the Yeoville SAPS said they are concerned about the number of babies being abandoned.
“Mothers need to know there are alternatives to them dumping their babies. If they are faced with difficult situations, they can approach the police so we can refer them to the relevant organisation in order to help them,” said Const Malatji.
