Unmarried mom throws newborn out of hosp, baby rescued

Kottayam: A 19-year-old unmarried woman, who came to Haripad taluk hospital in Alappuzha complaining of stomach pain, gave birth in the restroom in the early hours of Tuesday and threw the newborn out through the ventilation. The baby girl was rescued within moments by hospital staff.

The incident took place around 12:30am. The woman was brought to the hospital by her father and siblings around 9:30pm on Monday. Her family, apparently unaware of her pregnancy, told doctors that she had complaints of stomach pain and menstrual discomfort. Following this, she was kept under observation.

Shortly past midnight, she slipped into the restroom and did not return for a long time. Nurses and doctors on duty grew suspicious and went to check, finding blood inside. At that moment, the cry of a newborn was heard from behind the hospital building.

The baby, which was thrown out through the ventilation, fell among large stones and iron rods but survived without injury. Attender Anil, who heard the cry from the hospital premises, rushed out with towels and carried the blood-soaked infant to the emergency department. The prompt response was critical as the hospital compound is heavily troubled by stray dogs, and any delay could have proved fatal.

The rescue was coordinated by the on-duty doctor, nursing officer and emergency department staff. Hospital authorities informed the Haripad police and the child welfare committee. The mother and baby were subsequently transferred to the Medical College Hospital at Vandanam where the newborn is being treated in the neonatal emergency unit. The baby girl weighing 3.2 kg is healthy.

Police have registered a case against the woman and launched an investigation.