A Chennai couple is under scrutiny after delivering their baby at home using instructions from a WhatsApp group named "Home Birth Experiences." The group, reportedly comprising over 1,000 members, shares unverified advice and step-by-step guidance on conducting home births. Assembly Election Results Live Updates Maharashtra Election Results Jharkhand Election Results Bypoll Election Results Manoharan, a 36-year-old earthmover operator, and his 32-year-old wife, Sukanya, decided to rely solely on information from the group for the delivery of their third child.
Throughout Sukanya’s pregnancy, the couple avoided consulting medical professionals and skipped all prenatal check-ups. On November 17, when Sukanya went into labor, the couple chose to follow the group’s directions instead of seeking medical help. Manoharan performed the delivery himself, guided by the instructions shared in the WhatsApp group.
The couple, who already have two daughters aged eight and four, came under investigation after a local Public Health Officer filed a complaint at the Kundrathur police station. The complaint accused Manoharan of violating medical safety protocols and identified the WhatsApp group as a significant influence on the couple’s decision to bypass professional care. Health officials intervened, counseling the couple about the risks of relying on unverified online information for childbirth.
They stressed the importance of professional medical care during pregnancy and delivery. A.