It was the death of a 35-year-old woman during home birth at Padapparamba, near Malappuram, in April this year that prompted a series of interventions from the State health authorities. (representational image)
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Home birth rates in Malappuram district of Kerala have come down drastically following recent interventions by the State health authorities.
Malappuram’s home births have now dropped from 254 in a year to just 6 in a month.
District Medical Officer R. Renuka described the decline as remarkable, attributing it to targeted interventions.
It was the death of a 35-year-old woman during home birth at Padapparamba, near Malappuram, in April this year that prompted a series of interventions from the State health authorities.
Joint interventions were made with the support of the district administration and the police. Religious and socio-cultural leaders were roped in to reach out to vulnerable sections.
“In Malappuram, it is not about religion or community. We have had good support from all communities and religious groups in spreading awareness about the risks of home births,” said Dr. Renuka.
According to her, the media’s proactive coverage after the death of the woman in April has been a game-changer. “Home births plummeted from 254 annually to 196, and finally to just six a month now,” she said.
Legal action
Apart from spreading awareness, the health authorities moved legally too against those involved in the home birth that led to the woman’s death. “We have registered cases against the victim’s husband and the woman who assisted in their childbirth,” said Dr. Renuka.
Efforts by health officials have led to a substantial decline in home births among the tribespeople in the district’s remote areas of Nilambur, where such cases were once common.
In recent times, Malappuram saw a trend of home births by choice, largely influenced by certain naturopathy and acupuncture groups.
Home birth preferences were largely driven by a desire to avoid medical procedures such as epidurals or pain medication, labour induction, foetal heart rate monitoring or delivery assisted with forceps and instruments.
“Home births always have a higher risk of infant or maternal death and other complications than hospital births,” said Dr. Renuka.
Dr. Renuka pointed out that home births could carry inherent risks, particularly for women with multiple pregnancies, prior C-sections, or complications like abnormal foetal positions and prolonged labour. Without immediate medical access, conditions such as hypertension and haemorrhage can escalate dangerously, she said.
Published – September 06, 2025 04:15 pm IST