19-year-old mother changes mind, expresses willingness to raise newborn she abandoned

ALAPPUZHA: A 19-year-old woman who threw her newborn baby through a ventilation opening after giving birth in the toilet of a government hospital has expressed her willingness to take care of the child. The change in stance came during a counselling session conducted by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC). According to officials, the young woman informed the committee that she is now prepared to raise the baby. However, CWC officials clarified that she has not yet submitted a formal written request.

Earlier, the woman had reportedly shown no interest in breastfeeding or caring for the newborn and had informed authorities that she did not want the child. The Child Welfare Committee had therefore begun procedures to take custody of the baby before the mother changed her position.

Both the mother and the baby are currently undergoing treatment at the Vandanam Medical College Hospital and are being accommodated separately. Once the woman is discharged from the hospital, the CWC will take temporary custody of the baby and transfer the child to the District Child Welfare Committee. The infant will be cared for at a children's home in Alappuzha for up to three months. Officials said a final decision on returning the child to the mother will be taken only after monitoring her behaviour during this period and ensuring the baby's safety and well-being.

Police have registered a case of attempted murder against the woman in connection with the incident. Further legal proceedings are expected once she is discharged from the hospital. She is also receiving counselling as part of the ongoing process. Meanwhile, police have not been able to contact the man from Kolkata who is said to be the child's father. He had reportedly worked at a hospital in Edappally when the woman was studying a paramedical course there. The incident occurred last Monday when the Haripad native gave birth in the toilet of a government hospital. According to reports, she had sought treatment after convincing her relatives that she was suffering from an abdominal growth.