South Africa: Can’t find a white baby to adopt

Doctors for Life in South Africa published a letter from a woman who wanted to adopt. She was found that although there were unwanted pregnancies in South Africa,  white babies didn't seem to survive long enough to be adopted. The abortion mills are grinding along.

The writer said, "In the winter of 1999, my husband and I decided to start a family. A year after we made the decision, I was still not pregnant. We went for various tests and the doctors found that we could not conceive naturally."

Clinics and medical procedures didn’t work either. They gave up on having their own baby.

"We had already decided that adoption would be the next step. I started phoning around but it seemed that no one could help me. I contacted various child welfare organisations, but was told there are no white babies available in South Africa, the abortion law being largely responsible. I was told that nearly 100 000 abortions have been performed since 1997 and the figure increases daily.

"I then drew up a type of CV and sent it to 72 Social Workers dealing with adoptions. Only 3% responded but they made me understand that I was seeking a needle in a hay stack. I approached abortion clinics for referrals, but was rejected for obvious reasons.

"One day a Social Worker offered to do the screening process to enable us to legally adopt, and suggested that we keep our ears to the ground in case we find of a girl who wants to give her baby up for adoption."

Doctors for Life in South Africa published the letter from Azelenes Mallberger in their April newsletter. When asked if they had verified the story, Doctors for Life (May 1 private communication to RARTL) commented that they have called the "National and some Provincial Welfare Centres who confirmed this" and they are hoping to get written confirmation also. One social worker in Kimberley confirmed to them that her agency had only had four babies for adoption in seven years.

It would not be surprising if DFL failed to get good, written information. Such information would be newsworthy and thoroughly negative!

Source: DFL newsletter and personal communications.  updated 5/3/2002

DFL's website is www.dfl.org.za