Suicide Leading Cause of Maternal Mortality in State, Reveals Study

Experts say trend points to growing psychological distress among pregnant women in state

- RAHUL R @Kollam

A CONFIDENTIAL review of maternal mortality in Kerala from 2020 to 2024 has flagged a disturbing trend: Suicide has become one of the leading causes of such deaths in the state.

The study -- carried out by the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (KFOG) -- recorded 609 early maternal deaths, of which 62 were suicides, during the four-year period. Among the victims, 37 were aged between 20 and 29. In 2023-24 alone, suicide accounted for 14 of the 120 maternal deaths reported.

Of the 54 suicide cases reviewed by the report, most occurred during pregnancy. Thirty-seven were antenatal cases -- suicides committed during pregnancy -- while five were postnatal. In 12 cases, it could not be determined whether the women were pregnant or postpartum due to incomplete records.

The stage of pregnancy appears to be a factor. Eight suicides occurred within the first 12 weeks, 13 between 12-24 weeks -- indicating mid-pregnancy as a high-risk period -- and six at 25 weeks or later.