So, April 11 is Safe Motherhood Day.
Yes. It helps to bring attention to the issues of safe motherhood in the country and to urge action to stop the needless maternal deaths.
How grievous is the problem in India?
About 70,000 women die every year from pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Why is maternal mortality so high in India?
Unfortunately, a woman’s health is dependent on factors like her decision-making capacity, her health status, a family’s readiness to seek care when complications arise, availability of skilled attendants at birth, drugs etc.
Beyond the material factors, you think there is a degree of avoidability here?
As Richard Horton wrote, “Children and mothers are dying because those who have the power to prevent their deaths choose not to act.”
We don’t seem to have any semblance of public debate on the issue. Why?
It’s...

THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.