27/05/2026
Namibia
Namibians Divided Over New Law Allowing Safe Abandonment of Newborn Babies
By Staff Reporter
Social media debates have erupted following reports that Namibia’s Child Care and Protection Act now allows mothers in crisis to safely leave newborn babies at designated places such as police stations, hospitals, and schools without facing criminal charges, provided certain legal conditions are met.
While many Namibians welcomed the law as a lifesaving measure aimed at preventing unsafe baby abandonment and infant deaths, others questioned the fairness of the law and called for broader social support systems.
Some social media users reacted humorously by suggesting the law should also apply to older children, while others said the information must urgently reach young, poor, and vulnerable mothers who may feel abandoned by society and lack support.
Others proposed that government should consider establishing drop-in centres not only for abandoned babies, but also for elderly people without care, homeless individuals, and vulnerable people living on the streets.
The debate also raised concerns about fairness between mothers and fathers, with some questioning why fathers who abandon children can still face maintenance claims or possible arrest, while mothers in crisis may receive legal protection under the Act.
Namibian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Emma Kantema announced the provisions under the Child Care and Protection Act aimed at protecting newborn babies and mothers in distress.
Photo source: screen grab- social media video footage
