Pregnant tribal woman in T.N.’s Thalavadi Hills ceases contact with health team over fear of hospital birth

A 25-year-old pregnant tribal woman from Solagar Dhoddi in the Thalavadi Hills ceased contact with health workers just days before her due date, raising alarm among authorities.

Shevanthi, originally fronm Masinagudi and now living with her husband Chandran, a daily-wage worker, was scheduled to be admitted to a hospital on July 7, 2025. Despite efforts by a government health team that camped in the village for four days, she remained untraceable as of Thursday (July 10).

Doctors Senthil Kumar and Vishnu from the Government Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Bynapuram visited her on July 5, urging her to opt for institutional delivery. Though reluctant, her family assured officials that she would be ready for admission on the designated date. But when the team arrived, Shevanthi was nowhere to be found.

Her husband claimed over the phone that the couple was visiting a temple in Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Karnataka, but health officials were unable to speak with Shevanthi directly. Neighbors and relatives, meanwhile, offered conflicting explanations. On Wednesday (July 9), her family informed officials that she was safe and promised to contact the local Village Health Nurse P. Jothi once she went into labour.

Health workers, in turn, reassured the family that the delivery would be managed at the Thalavadi Government Upgraded PHC, with transportation and all medical support arranged to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Shevanthi, who had been under antenatal care at the Bynapuram PHC, was previously diagnosed with anaemia; her haemoglobin level was just 8.6. Though treatment reportedly improved her condition, medical officers remain concerned about the dangers of home births, particularly among anaemic mothers, where the risks of haemorrhage and maternal mortality are high.

In 2019 too, Shevanthi refused to visit the hospital for her first delivery. With police assistance, she was admitted to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital and delivered her first child, a girl, through a normal delivery. This time, fearing a possible Caesarean section, she showed a strong preference for home delivery — a choice common among tribal women in the region.

“Despite sustained awareness efforts, many tribal women resist hospital births due to fear, mistrust, and cultural beliefs,” said S. Kannaiyan, president of the Thalavadi Farmers’ Federation.