Home births continue to claim newborn lives in Kerala, RTI data reveals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department has not yet made hospital deliveries mandatory, even as home births continue to claim the lives of newborns. According to data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 19 newborns died in 244 home births recorded between April 2025 and March 2026. Of them, 10 were stillborn.

In the last four years (2022-23 to 2025-26), Kerala recorded 1,782 home births. During this period, 83 babies died. Among them, 52 were stillborn, while 29 died within a few days of birth. Two babies died in the womb, the RTI data showed. Malappuram recorded the highest number of home births in the state. A total of 772 home births were reported in the district over the past four years. During 2025-26 alone, 63 home births were recorded there. Most of the deaths were among infants below one year of age.

Social activist Dr K. Prathibha had submitted a complaint to the Chief Secretary seeking government guidelines to discourage home births, pointing out that they pose serious risks to both mothers and babies. However, no action has been taken so far. The complaint also stated that there are shortcomings in identifying pregnant women who plan to deliver outside hospitals and those who do not visit health institutions during pregnancy. At present, 98 of the state's 107 government delivery centres are functioning. The Health Department has mainly focused on creating awareness about institutional deliveries.

Welfare schemes available for pregnant women

• Janani Suraksha Yojana: Financial assistance and travel allowance.
• Ammayum Kunjum Scheme: Free treatment for normal and caesarean deliveries, including laboratory tests and scans.
• Free antenatal check-ups, tetanus vaccination, and iron and calcium supplements.

Reasons behind home births

• Traditional customs
• Religious beliefs
• Acupuncture-assisted deliveries
• Unscientific treatment methods

Home births and newborn deaths
Year........Home births....Newborn deaths
2022-23......584................12
2023-24......526................20
2024-25......428................30
2025-26......244................21*

Total (2022-26):
Home births: 1,782
Newborn deaths: 83

District-wise:
Highest home births: Malappuram (772)
Lowest home births: Kottayam (37)