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21. Februar 2017

Third newborn baby placed in Olten baby hatch


On 20 February 2017, at 8.50 pm a healthy newborn was placed in the baby hatch at Olten cantonal hospital. The little boy had come into the world a few hours previously. He is perfectly healthy, weighs 3,260 g and is 48.5 cm long. The mother took the "letter to the mother" and one of the brochures provided in the baby hatch, written in ten languages, about available assistance and therefore has all the necessary information. The Child and Adult Protection Authority [Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehörde] (KESB) in Olten-Gösgen was informed immediately. A guardian has now assumed the rights and obligations that normally apply to the child's parents. This is the third baby that has been handed over since the baby hatch opened in Olten on 31 May 2013. He is the 19th baby to be placed in a baby hatch in Switzerland.

The mother of the child may notify the Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) in Olten-Gösgen or the Swiss Aid for Mother and Child (SAMC) foundation to establish contact with the child. She is assured of absolute discretion and unbureaucratic material and financial assistance in finding the best solution for her and the child.

To protect everyone involved and with a view to official and professional secrecy, data protection and personal rights, neither the KESB Olten-Gösgen, Olten cantonal hospital, nor the SAMC can provide more information on this particular case.

Assistance in extreme emergency situations
With the baby window, mothers in need are offered an anonymous way to ensure their child receives proper medical care. This is intended to prevent the abandonment of children or infanticide, both of which have occurred repeatedly in the past.