Home Birth Turns Tragic in Idukki — Parents Avoided Hospital, Baby Didn’t Survive

Childbirth at home is not a new practice. Many families in the rural areas have been following it for generations. But it doesn’t always go as planned.

In Idukki, Kerala, a newborn infant did not survive during childbirth at home. The parents, Johnson and Biji are a pastor couple. They choose to avoid hospital care due to their personal and religious beliefs.

Was it really worth the baby’s life?

The Idukki Incident

On September 8, 2025, around 11 a.m., the couple’s fourth child was born at home in Maniyarankudy, Vazhathope panchayat. When local health workers arrived the next day, the mother reported the baby did not survive after birth. The family refused initial medical assistance, delaying transport to a hospital. Later, with the help of the police, the mother was taken to Idukki Medical College while authorities arranged for an autopsy.

The police have registered an FIR under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the unnatural death legislation.

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The Parents

Johnson works as a pastor, and the family leads a secluded life. Their three older children are home-schooled and don’t go to formal schools.

The couple’s first child was delivered in a hospital after complications. However, the rest were all done at home, including the last one who could not see the world.

The Risks of Unsupervised Home Births

1. Medical Emergencies Can Arise Suddenly

Even normal pregnancies can face unexpected complications such as bleeding or fetal distress. And these require immediate medical attention. Without a professional environment, childbirth can become dangerous.

2. Delay in Seeking Help Can Be Fatal

In this case, health workers urged hospital transfer before delivery. But the couple stayed on their terms. Timely action could have given a different outcome.

3. Belief Systems vs Medical Realities

Some parents avoid hospitals due to religious and personal beliefs. While respecting faith is important, childbirth involves biological risks. Denial of available care can endanger both mother and baby.

Kerala Childbirth Records

Kerala has one of the highest institutional birth rates in India, with over 99% of births happening in hospitals. This has helped the state achieve a low maternal mortality rate of approximately 19 per 100,000 births.

Message For Expectant Parents

1. Always choose a hospital with qualified medical professionals, especially when prior complications are involved.

2. Unpredictable events like cord prolapse or internal bleeding can happen. Emergency protocols or readiness to transfer to a hospital can save lives.

3. When health workers advise hospital care, it’s based on risk assessment. Ignoring these warnings can lead to vulnerability.

The case in Idukki is deeply tragic. A baby lost life where medical systems were available. Faith and tradition are respected, but when life is at stake, medical evidence matters most.