Wisdom women’s group seeks stringent law against home births

Social Issues Social Inequalities and exclusion

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-04-10 08:53:25 |

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The Wisdom Women’s Group, a prominent women's rights and health advocacy organization, has made a strong appeal to the central and state governments for the enactment of stringent laws banning unassisted home births in India. Citing rising concerns over maternal and infant mortality linked to non-institutional deliveries, the group has urged lawmakers to prioritize maternal health through regulated, institutionalized care.

In a detailed petition submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the group has emphasized the need for mandatory registration and regulation of all childbirths, suggesting that only certified healthcare institutions should be allowed to conduct deliveries. The petition also warns against the growing popularity of home births encouraged by social media influencers and unqualified practitioners, which it says romanticizes a potentially dangerous practice.

“While we recognize the right of every woman to choose how and where she gives birth, the State also has a responsibility to ensure safe medical practices,” said Meenakshi Rajan, president of Wisdom Women’s Group, at a press conference held on Tuesday. “Our concern is with unassisted or poorly assisted home births that lack the supervision of trained medical personnel. Such practices can quickly turn fatal for both the mother and the baby.”

The organization backed its appeal with data from recent reports by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which indicate that although institutional births have increased, a small but persistent percentage of women in rural and urban areas still opt for home deliveries, often due to misinformation, cultural beliefs, or lack of access. However, the group argues that legal enforcement and public awareness campaigns can drastically reduce unsafe practices.

Healthcare professionals have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal. While some agree on the importance of medical supervision, others caution that the issue must be handled sensitively, keeping in mind socioeconomic disparities and access issues.

The group has also proposed a nationwide campaign to educate families about the risks of home births and the importance of prenatal and postnatal care. It has called for stricter penalties for unlicensed birth attendants and has requested support from NGOs, local panchayats, and healthcare institutions to promote safer childbirth options.

As the government reviews the proposal, the debate continues between personal choice and public safety — a dialogue that promises to shape future policies around maternal care in India.

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