CHENNAI: An earthmover driver and his wife recently home-delivered their child in Kundrathur, solely guided by advice and illustration posted on a 1,024-member WhatsApp group, and posted their picture with the newborn leading to a burst of online attention. It also raised alarm bells for health authorities, prompting an investigation by police.
Manoharan, a 36-year-old earthmover operator from Tiruvannamalai, and his wife Sukanya, 32, who already have two daughters, aged 8 and 4 years, live in a rented house at Nandambakkam, near Kundrathur.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Manoharan was part of the WhatsApp group, 'Home Birth Experiences,' on which advice and illustrations about conducting deliveries at home were regularly posted.
When Sukanya became pregnant with the couple's third child, she chose not to seek any medical check-ups throughout her pregnancy. On Nov 17, she suddenly went into labour at home. Instead of taking her to the hospital, Manoharan decided to handle the delivery himself, following guidance from the WhatsApp group with which he was associated, police said.
After the child's birth, the area's Public Health Officer lodged a complaint at the Kundrathur police station, stating that Manoharan's actions violated the prescribed medical safety regulations. Following the complaint, a police team brought Manoharan in for questioning. Upon reviewing his mobile phone, officers discovered his membership in the WhatsApp group and found that the group's activities detailed discussions about conducting home births.
The group's content appeared to be a key factor in Manoharan's decision to proceed with the delivery at home, police said.
The health officials explained to him the risks associated with home births, particularly when relying on unverified online information rather than professional medical guidance. The local health officer also said that necessary medical assistance would be provided to both the mother and the newborn. Kundrathur police officers and health department officials are discussing legal action to curb such activities.
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