On one bright Sunday morning a few weeks ago, Zvishavane residents woke up to a shock as a newborn baby was found dumped and naked at the entrance of Zvishavane District Hospital.
The full details of what really happened remain unknown, but the incident certainly raises concerns on what could be causing the increase in baby dumping as well as infanticide cases not only in the mining town but in the whole of Zimbabwe.
Zvishavane has of late recorded quite a number of cases where remains of new born babies are found in sewer pipes, latrines or seen being devoured by stray dogs.
Some babies would have been dumped, some brutally murdered. Most of the cases are usually commited by young mothers who would have concealed pregnancy for various reasons.
Infanticide and baby dumping are not only crimes, but also a cry for help by the women who commit these despicable acts.
Whilst no excuse can be given for abandoning a baby or murdering one in cold blood, new mothers need support as they are often overwhelmed by the responsibility of taking care of a baby, especially in the absence of their partners.
The challenge of baby dumping often starts with an unplanned pregnancy. Sometimes it is young girls who are impregnated whilst in school, as such they are forced to conceal the pregnancy due to fear of dropping out and disappointing their parents. In most cases a girl gives birth on her own and dumps the baby or throw it in a pit latrine. However there are also cases of grown up women who conceal pregnancy because of reasons like infidelity, failed family planning etc.
Cultural and religious beliefs also play a pivotal role in this matter. Most young women fear being rejected by their families and communities after falling pregnant out of wedlock. In some cultures and religions, virginity is sacred and must not be given away before marriage or else the parents won’t receive full bride price. This forces most girls and women to hide their pregnancy and kill or abandon the baby after giving birth.
Another common cause of the increase in baby dumping if the abandonment by partner. When a pregnant woman is rejected or abandoned by their boyfriend or husband, they often feel like they have reached a dead end. Instead of considering other options, they end up dumping the baby due to fear of responsibility and shame.
Girls and young women also lack knowledge on other options at their disposal when they cannot take care of their babies. Such options include giving up the baby for adoption or foster care among others.
Prostitution. Most women who engage in sex work often dump their babies when they unexpectedly fall pregnant. This is because they feel that having to care for a baby will stand in the way of their work.
Post partum depression. After a woman gives birth, she may suffer severe depression which may lead to negative feelings towards the baby, feeling withdrawn and easily irritated. This may result in the mother dumping or murdering her baby.
Other causes also include rape, economic instability, poverty, lack of adequate support, etc.
Zimbabwe has a law on infanticide, The Infanticide Act, which states that a woman who kills her own child within six months of the child’s birth is guilty and subject to imprisonment.
Recommendations in reducing cases of baby dumping and infanticide.
- Counselling, peer group meetings in schools for young girls.
- Women should be taught self sustainance so they don’t solely rely on their partners.
- Support groups for new mothers, single mothers.
- Parents should be educated on their role in raising their children.
- Men/boys should be taught to take responsibility, accept their children and take care of them.
- There’s also need to deal away with stigma associated with unplanned pregnancies in communities.