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.