Helderberg Baby Saver saves another little life
Since the Helderberg Baby Saver (HBS) was launched in 2014, fourteen babies have been safely relinquished through it.
The first 12 babies came in between 2015 and 2023, then a little girl in February 2024, and now another little girl this month.
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.
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, whereafter Wandisa Child Protection and Adoption Agency gets legal permission to place them in temporary safe care for a prescribed period (while adverts are placed in order for possible family to come forward), whereafter they can be eligible for adoption.
HBS partners with Wandisa to ensure all legalities are in place and that the babies will be safe and cared for throughout the processes.
Last week Baby Blossom, the 14th baby, was placed safely in the HBS - she was healthy and clean and was clearly loved.
HBS said: “We know it must have been very difficult for this brave decision to have been made and we are truly grateful that this baby was safely relinquished and not simply abandoned when all other options had obviously not been viable.”
Amanda-Lea Jones and Frances Fuchs 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 Blossom once she was taken out of the Saver.
Amanda-Lea then accompanied her in the ambulance to Helderberg Hospital where she was attended to with much care, and admitted to paediatrics.
“We are very grateful that this precious little girl was safely relinquished, and not just abandoned. Her mother/parents made a brave decision for her future wellbeing,” added Sandy Immelman, founder of HBS.
“We positioned our Saver at Choices in the hopes that anyone experiencing an unwanted pregnancy would first seek assistance – but this is not always the case.
It is clear that there is a need for Savers 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, ee babysaver.co.za and babysaverssa.co.za