The community health centre in Jhadol, Rajasthan, was recently in the news for a startling reason. It was here that Rekha Galbelia, a 55-year-old tribal woman, gave birth to her 17th child. Not only were the doctors taken aback by Galbelia’s multiple pregnancies and deliveries, it led the health department to flag high fertility rates among residents of tribal villages in southern Rajasthan as the primary challenge in population stabilisation. They also pointed out that multiple pregnancies among tribal women of the region were increasing maternal and neonatal health risks.

Luckily for Galbelia, she overcame the risks associated with pregnancy at a late age. But five of the 17 children she gave birth to over the years were not so fortunate, dying shortly after their birth. At 28.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, neonatal mortality, or the proportion of children dying in their first month after birth, is higher among the tribal population than the national average of 24.9. Poor or no access to healthcare and skilled health professionals, a lack of sexual and reproductive health information, and poverty are the leading causes of mortality.

Did Galbelia or her husband Kanvara, who has taken a loan to feed his large family, have........

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