Kerala doctors demand strict law against 'criminal' home births
A woman died while giving birth at home on April 5 in Malappuram, leading to the arrest of her husband for culpable homicide not amounting to murder
Kerala’s medical fraternity has demanded the “immediate intervention” of the government after a 35-year-old woman died due to excessive bleeding while giving birth at her home in Malappuram.
The Kerala Government Medical Officers Association issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the continuing practice of childbirth taking place at home despite the state’s medical advances. They have demanded that strict laws needed to be enacted to counter such criminal practices.
Doctors demand legislation
"It is deeply troubling that even in this era when modern medical science has advanced so far, people are still willing to submit to treatment methods that lack any scientific basis,” it said.
Also read: Tamil Nadu | Home births gaining ground despite govt's warning on perils
“The organisation demands that strong legislation be enacted against such criminal practices,” said the association.
The tragedy occurred on April 5 in Malappuram district, leading to the arrest of her husband on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Regressive stance
The Association, which represents all categories of doctors, noted that Kerala had scored significant milestones in health indicators on a global scale, especially in maternal and infant mortality rates.
The benefits of these achievements in the public health sector, attained through years of collective effort, were the rightful entitlement of every citizen, it said.
"However, the regressive stances taken by certain vested interests are leading to the denial of quality healthcare for Keralites and the loss of precious human lives," the statement said.
Kerala needs ‘strong legislation’
The Association noted that although a majority of some 300,000 deliveries take place every year in hospitals in Kerala, it was worrying that around 500 still happen at home.
"A major reason for this is the attraction, knowingly or unknowingly, towards unscientific methods of treatment," it said.
Also read: Why women in Kerala are risking their lives with dangerous home births
"Denying (the) right (of hospital treatment) is a punishable offence, and strong legislation is needed to ensure strict legal action against such offenders,” it said.
Minister issues warning
“Immediate intervention from the government is necessary in this matter,” it added.
Kerala health minister Veena George has meanwhile issued a warning against those encouraging home births through social media.
"This year, a total of around two lakh deliveries have occurred, of which 382 were home births," she revealed.