Abandonment of newborns and fetuses in landfills and fields in South Africa: What's behind this alarming trend?
In South Africa, the remains of newborns and unborn babies are frequently discovered in unconventional locations, such as plastic wrappings, landfills, and public restrooms. These grim discoveries are tragically common, occurring across South Africa's landscape.
These findings seldom make headlines, yet they represent a disturbing pattern. The South African Medical Journal reported over 1,658 cases in Mpumalanga and Gauteng between 2009 and 2011 alone, contrasting markedly with developed nations, which typically have significantly lower numbers. For instance, only 150 cases were reported in Germany over a 15-year period, and Denmark reported only 11 cases in 12 years.
Researchers from Wits University have taken on the task of understanding why this phenomenon is so prevalent in South Africa. Between 2020 and 2021, and in 2023, they studied the remains received at the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service in Soweto, hoping to uncover the reasons why so many women resort to dangerous methods to end their pregnancies rather than seeking legal and safe abortions.
The study found that approximately 68 of the 158 cases examined were nonviable, meaning the babies lacked the ability to survive outside the womb. Furthermore, 29 were stillborn, defined as a fetal death after the 20th week of pregnancy. In one-third of the cases, the cause of death could not be determined due to mutilation or decomposition. The researchers hypothesize that the high number of nonviable cases may be linked to illegal abortions, a conclusion supported by the South African Medical Journal study.
The lack of information and education about abortion, combined with inadequate medical care, are believed to be the primary reasons driving women to unsafe abortion providers. These factors are discussed at length by reproductive health specialists.
Mia Malan, a journalist, spoke with Shakeera Holland, a forensic medicine and pathology expert at Wits University who leads investigations of unnatural deaths across eight forensic pathology facilities in Gauteng, the busiest region in the country. The interview took place at the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service facilities in Soweto.
While South Africa's struggle with abandoned newborn and fetus remains is a complex issue, it is a problem that can be addressed through increased access to adequate healthcare, education, and legal support. By understanding the root causes of this problem, steps can be taken to ensure that every life is valued and protected.
The South African Medical Journal's reports of over 1,658 cases in Mpumalanga and Gauteng between 2009 and 2011 highlight a concerning trend in the country, contrasting significantly with developed nations that have lower numbers of such cases. Researchers from Wits University, after studying remains received at the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service, hypothesize that illegal abortions may be the reason for the high number of nonviable cases. Mia Malan, a journalist, interviewed Shakeera Holland, a forensic medicine and pathology expert at Wits University, to discuss the unnatural deaths of abandoned newborns and fetuses. Addressing this issue requires increased access to adequate healthcare, education, and legal support to ensure every life is valued and protected.
