Baby dumping and abortion cases are still on the rise in the country, with some that still go unreported.

Pastor AvShalom Nghifitikeko and Founder of Youth One Africa says the situation is worrisome.

Statistics indicate that in 2017/2018, 25 cases of baby dumping were reported.

During 2020/2021, 17 legal abortions were performed and 41 baby dumping cases were reported.

As for 2021/2022, 17 abortions were reported to the police while 33 babies were dumped.

Some of the cases go unreported.

Pastor AvShalom Nghifitikeko and Founder of Youth One Africa said abortions and baby dumping have negative emotional effects on the girl child, as these may lead to depression, trauma, and suicide.

Abortion, if it goes wrong, may also lead to infertility.

The third annual Namibia family Conference themed "healing of the nation from abortion and baby dumping" unpacked and discussed the root causes of abortion and baby dumping.

"So we really want to draw the attention of our nation on the dangers of abortion that can lead to death, stress in the family, but also a lot of psychological issues such as depression and you have people going to work and they can't be fully productive because of the trauma they have gone through. so its something that affects the whole society and family set up not just those who had abortions. "

Sasha Louw, the Founder of Conserve Namibia touched on available options to combating illegal abortion.

" Its more about shining a light on the intellectual fats of it because I think there's a lot of "my body my choice' out there but there is a number of things you can do or contact organisations and there are also options of adoption, there are really options that can help you save the life of your baby." 

Nghifitikeko is advocating for family support systems to function properly and overcome challenges faced.