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22. Juli 2016

Newborn placed in Einsiedeln baby hatch


(NZZ online) A healthy newborn baby has been left in the baby hatch at Einsiedeln hospital. This is the 13th baby (corr. red. baby hatch) to be left there.
The baby girl was born on Thursday 21 July, 2016 and delivered to the baby hatch in Einsiedeln on the same day at 1.20 p.m., according to information from the hospital and the Child and Adult Protection Authority (Kinder- und Erwachsenenschutz-
behörde, KESB). The hospital will retain custody of the baby in order to carry out further medical tests. The KESB was immediately informed, according to the hospital's statement. A legal guardian has been appointed to take on the rights and responsibilities that would usually be assumed by the child's parents.

The mother of the child may reach out to the KESB in Pfäffikon or the Swiss Aid for Mother and Child Foundation (SAMC) to establish contact with the baby. The statement also assures the mother of absolute discretion and unbureaucratic assistance in an effort to decide on the best solution for her and the child.

Until the adoption becomes official, the natural mother and father are entitled to ask for the child to be returned. Adoption may take place no earlier than one year after the child is placed into the care of their prospective adoptive parents.

The baby hatch in Einsiedeln was launched in 2001 and is the longest-running in Switzerland. Mothers can place their baby in the hatch, close the window and walk away in complete anonymity. A few minutes later an alarm is triggered in the hospital.

In total there are eight baby hatches in Switzerland. These baby hatches are an offer of help to mothers in desperate situations. They are intended to help prevent newborns being killed or abandoned.