The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about the deaths of 53 expecting mothers.
Deaths occurred during pre and post-delivery in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh.
The time period for these deaths was one year between April 2025 and March 2026.
Primary causes cited are lack of awareness and medical facilities.
The average age of the deceased was reported to be 26 years.
Most of the deceased were first or second-time mothers.
The media report was carried on 29th May 2026.
The Sidhi district has consistently ranked among the bottom three districts in the Community Maternal Health League grading conducted by the State Health Department.
There is a reported lack of basic infrastructure, including doctors and technical experts at Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and the District Hospital.
Patients are often referred to higher medical facilities in the faraway Rewa District.
Several villages do not have proper road connectivity, complicating matters further during the monsoon season.
Pregnant women have to be carried on cots for two to three kilometres before reaching an ambulance.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
The notice seeks a detailed report within two weeks.
