18. May 2026
On Monday, 18 May 2026 at 2.15 pm, a healthy newborn was placed in the baby window at Bethesda Hospital. The baby is in the capable hands of the specialists at Bethesda Hospital's maternity clinic. For the time being, the baby will remain in hospital for further medical clarifications.
The police and KESB Basel-Stadt were informed
As required in such cases, the police and the Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) in Basel were informed immediately. A guardian will now take over the rights and duties that are usually the responsibility of the child's parents. In particular, care will be taken to protect the privacy of the child and its mother.
The mother now has the opportunity to report to the child and adult protection authority in Basel for one year and can retrieve the child if necessary. She is assured of absolute discretion and unbureaucratic assistance in order to find the best solution for her and the child.
If the mother does not come forward or if she comes forward and gives up the child, the child can be adopted after one year.
Bethesda Hospital's baby window has been in operation since 26 November 2015 and is a service for mothers in emergency situations. This offer of help gives a mother who finds herself in a hopeless situation the opportunity to place her child anonymously in safe, competent hands. The baby window is run in collaboration with the Swiss Foundation for Mother and Child Aid. (www.babyfenster.ch)
Important note:
Please note that the anonymity of the child has the highest priority for us. We are therefore unable to provide any further information about the baby. Film recordings of the child are also not permitted.
The baby is the fifth child to be placed in our baby window.
Confidential birth at Bethesda
Pregnant women in emergency situations also have the option of giving birth to their baby confidentially at Bethesda Hospital Basel while preserving their identity. On admission, pregnant women are given a pseudonym and their medical records are treated confidentially. The birth is reported to the registry office as a "confidential birth", but there is no automatic obligation to notify the local authorities.
Further information can be found at: http://www.bethesda-spital.ch/mutter-in-not
