Medical care for abused, pregnant girls in India

This was the first time that we had had five girls who wanted to keep their babies.

Two of the teenagers, Sathi and Chandana, were placed with us by the CWC (Child Welfare Committees) a few months ago, even though both had had consensual relationships. Consensual means nothing when you are a minor. As per POCSO, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences, Act, one cannot consent below the age of 18. They were in love, they had a sexual relationship with their partner and they became pregnant. 

Sathi gave birth on March 1^st to a gorgeous baby girl and Chandana to a little boy on April 11^th. We were thrilled that both gave birth naturally with our partner midwives at Birthvillage. After having come back to Tejus Home the day after delivery, the girls had regular visits by the midwives or nurses to check on the general health and well-being of mother and baby and were coached in new-born care and breastfeeding. Both mothers and babies were bonding nicely and it was a real pleasure to witness. We had decided to rent the extra building next door to give a space to mothers and their new-borns and it turned out to be a perfect solution. We also gained the extra space to hang out washable nappies cut out of white sheets gifted to us by Five * Hotels!

Chandana had her 18^th birthday on May 3^rd and therefore was able to decide for herself to leave Tejus Home and go back to her parents’ home and hopefully soon enough, marry the father of her baby.

Sathi however, will only turn 18 after a year and therefore is still under the protection of the CWC. She will soon move into another children’s home with her baby until the CWC considers it safe enough for them to go back home.