Delhi High Court recognises Maternal Deaths as a human rights violation

Post Date: Friday, March 18, 2016

Delhi High Court recognises Maternal Deaths as a human rights violation

Laxmi Mandal v. Deen Dayal Harinagar Hospital & ORS, (W.P.(C) 8853/2008)

High Court of Delhi

In the year 2010, the Delhi High Court issued a landmark judgment where for the first time a constitutional court has recognised maternal mortality as a human rights violation. The Hon’ble judge while hearing the joint petitions of two women Shanti and Fatima, stressed that no pregnant women should be denied healthcare based on her socio economic status. These cases, fought by HRLN highlight the humiliation and loss of human dignity of many poor women who seek emergency obstetric care. It is a case of historic relevance in context of India where more than 10,000 women die every year due to pregnancy related causes. These cases were a part of a larger movement in India for utilising the legal system to secure the reproductive rights of women. Consequently, the court not only issued individual remedies but also issued operation guidelines through which the BPL category people can access maternity benefits provisions.