Kerala doctor moves HC Seeking Regulations for Home Births
Kochi: A medical officer from Malappuram, Dr Prathibha K, has approached the Kerala High Court seeking clear legal provisions and penalties to regulate childbirth outside medical facilities. She has urged for the establishment of proper guidelines to ensure the safety of both mothers and newborns.
The issue came to light after a Kozhikode couple filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, alleging that the city corporation refused to issue a birth certificate for their baby girl due to a lack of formal proof of birth. According to the complainant, she gave birth at her rented home in November 2024, but officials refused to issue the certificate as no formal records of the delivery existed. Dr Prathibha has invoked Article 226 of the Constitution, calling for judicial intervention to prevent further tragedies.
According to Onmanorama, Dr Prathibha, currently serving as a medical officer in Tanur, Malappuram, has expressed serious concerns about the rights of newborns, emphasizing that every child is entitled to medical care and legal recognition. Malappuram, which records the highest number of home births in the state, has also seen a rise in neonatal complications, she noted in her petition. The reasons behind choosing home births vary, but lack of medical supervision puts both mothers and infants at grave risk. "Some mothers fear hospitals and C-sections, others adhere to conventional beliefs, while some are reluctant to expose their bodies to medical staff. Financial constraints also play a role. Surprisingly, many of these women are well-educated, holding graduate or even postgraduate degrees, yet they continue to make conservative choice,” the petition stated.
The petition highlights multiple past incidents of home births leading to severe complications and fatalities in Kerala. In February 2024, a mother and baby died during delivery in Nemom, Thiruvananthapuram. Another case in October 2024 in Thanaloor, Malappuram, saw a woman critically injured when the baby’s head emerged before she was rushed to a hospital. A Chalakudy, Thrissur case ended with the infant’s death and the mother requiring intensive care, while in October 2022, a mother and child in Chadayamangalam, Kollam, did not survive a home delivery, reports the Daily.
She further alleged the existence of illegal birthing facilities, where women from various parts of Kerala and beyond—including Kollam, Alappuzha, and Lakshadweep—stay for weeks to deliver their babies in Malappuram under unsupervised conditions. "Some of these centres have been shut down by authorities following local complaints. Additionally, organised groups coordinate home deliveries through secret WhatsApp chats or groups, frequently changing numbers to avoid detection. Some agents charge as little as ₹5,000 to facilitate home births, while others offer costlier packages lasting up to a month," she says.
With eight years of service, Dr Prathibha started her career as an assistant medical officer at a Public Health Centre in Tanur. As the number of home births rises, medical professionals like her face mounting pressure from the government to address the issue. "Each public health centre monitors expectant mothers through a team comprising a junior public health nurse, staff nurse, and ASHA workers, ensuring regular health updates. However, when home births go unreported, these records remain incomplete, leaving medical officers without answers." She believes that stricter legal measures are essential to address this concern. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 17, awaiting a response from the state government on the matter.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.