Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken an important step to protect newborn babies at risk of unsafe abandonment.
The notice of intention to introduce the Safe Relinquishment Private Members Bill (PMB) has now been gazetted. This Bill aims to legalise the safe relinquishment of babies, the operation of baby savers by registered child protection organisations, and designated baby safe havens across South Africa.
At present, the Department of Social Development’s interpretation of the law puts mothers and child protection organisations in an impossible position. By including babies placed in baby saver boxes as “abandoned,” the the proposed amendment by the Department risks criminalising mothers who act responsibly, and those who run baby savers could also face legal consequences.
The result is tragic: some mothers may avoid safe options and leave their babies in unsafe circumstances, putting lives at risk.
The DA’s Bill provides a clear, lawful, and compassionate solution. It will:
- Define safe relinquishment, baby savers, and designated baby safe havens;
- Allow babies to be safely left in baby savers or at designated safe havens, ensuring immediate medical attention and care;
- Make safely relinquished babies eligible for adoption if unclaimed within a set period;
- Make it a crime if a safely relinquished baby suffers abuse or neglect.
Child protection organisations have been running baby savers for decades and have saved hundreds of babies’ lives. Countries such as Namibia, Germany, the USA, India, Japan, Italy, and the Czech Republic already have these systems in place. South Africa should do the same.
This Bill is about saving lives. It gives desperate mothers a safe choice, ensures babies are cared for from the start, and protects the most vulnerable. It is a humane and practical response to situations often caused by sexual assault, gender-based violence, poverty, or a lack of support.
We call on the public to support this life-saving initiative. Together, we can make sure no baby is left without care and no mother is left without options.
Written submissions on the proposed Bill can be emailed to the Speaker of the National Assembly before 16 November 2025 at speaker@parliament.gov.za and copied to legislation@da.org.za.
Regards
Alexandra Abrahams MP
DA Spokesperson on Social Development