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Safe Motherhood Initiative

MATERNAL HEALTH

THE CRADLE OF DIGNITY

No woman should die while giving life. Maternal Health Rights ensure access to safe pregnancy, dignified childbirth, and adequate nutrition.

In a country where anemia is endemic and hospital access is unequal, ensuring a safe birth is not just a medical procedure; it is a fundamental human right protected by the Constitution.

SUPPORT MOTHERS →VIEW SCHEMES

Part 2: The Crisis

The Cost of Neglect

Based on SRS & NFHS-5 Data

MMR

Maternal Deaths per 1L Births

52%

Pregnant Women

Suffer from Anemia

26w

Paid Leave

Under Maternity Benefit Act

88%

Institutional Births

Drastic Improvement

The Silent Killer: Anemia

More than half of pregnant women in India are anemic. This condition, caused by poverty and poor nutrition, is the leading cause of maternal death (postpartum hemorrhage). It is a preventable tragedy.

Obstetric Violence

Disrespect: Slapping, scolding, or ignoring women in labor is common in overcrowded public hospitals.
Forced Procedures: Performing C-sections or Episiotomies without informed consent for profit or speed.
Denial of Care: Turning away women in labor due to lack of ID documents or money.

RISK FACTOR: HIGH

[Image of causes of maternal mortality chart]

System Health Check

Nutrition Support (Anganwadi)Irregular

Take-home rations often lack quality.

Transport (Ambulance)Delayed

102/108 services struggle in rural belts.

Post-Natal CareCritical Gap

Most deaths occur within 48 hours of birth.

"The way a society treats its mothers is the ultimate test of its civilization."

Part 3: The Law

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)

The absolute right to free delivery.

Zero Expense Delivery

JSSK Mandate

Pregnant women are entitled to: Free delivery (C-Section included), Free drugs & diagnostics, Free diet, and Free transport to/from home.

100% Cashless

Maternity Benefit Act

Workplace Rights

Guarantees 26 weeks of paid leave for women in establishments with 10+ employees. Protects against dismissal during pregnancy.

Job Security

Financial Support Schemes

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

Cash incentive (₹1400 Rural / ₹1000 Urban) given to mothers for delivering in a government institution. Aimed at reducing home births.

PMMVY (Matru Vandana Yojana)

Direct Benefit Transfer of ₹5,000 in three installments for the first child, to compensate for wage loss and ensure nutrition.

Article 42 (Constitution)

Directive Principle: "The State shall make provision for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief."

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Do Mothers Suffer?

Hidden Costs

Despite JSSK, hospital staff often demand bribes ("Badhai") or force families to buy medicines from outside pharmacies.

Malnutrition Loop

Anemic mothers give birth to low-weight babies, who grow up to be stunted adults. The cycle of poverty continues.

Documentation

Migrant workers often lack local Aadhaar or bank accounts, making them ineligible for PMMVY cash transfers.

Access

Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in remote tribal areas are often understaffed or lack 24/7 delivery facilities.

ASHA Overload

ASHA workers, the backbone of the system, are underpaid and overworked, affecting the quality of antenatal tracking.

YOUR ROLE

Ensure domestic help gets maternity leave. Donate nutritious food. Report hospitals demanding bribes.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC NURTURE PROTOCOL

Holistic care from conception to cradle.

1. Antenatal Care (ANC)

Prevention is key.

• Checkups: Facilitating 4 mandatory ANC visits.

• Supplements: Distributing Iron & Folic Acid (IFA) tablets.

2. Institutional Delivery

Safe birth.

• Transport: Organizing community ambulances for labor.

• JSY Linkage: Ensuring mothers get their cash incentive.

3. Nutrition Support

Feeding two lives.

• Ration Kits: Protein-rich food packets for pregnant women in slums.

• Counseling: Educating families on diet diversity.

4. Legal Aid

Fighting for benefits.

• Benefit Claims: Helping women denied PMMVY due to technical errors.

• Workplace Rights: Assisting women fired for pregnancy.

5. Post-Natal Care

The first 42 days.

• Home Visits: Checking for infection and breastfeeding support.

• Immunization: Ensuring the baby gets BCG/Polio doses.

ACTIVATE CARE

Select your impact level. 85% of funds go directly to programs.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹1,000

Provides a "Nutrition Kit" (Dates, Jaggery, Pulses) for a pregnant woman.

DONATE NOW

RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹5,000

Funds transport and medicines for a safe institutional delivery.

DONATE NOW

IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹25,000

Sponsors complete Antenatal & Postnatal care for 5 mothers.

DONATE NOW

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: You will receive a donation receipt & impact report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is treatment completely free under JSSK?

Yes. In all government health facilities, a pregnant woman is entitled to zero expense delivery, including C-sections, drugs, diagnostics, diet, and blood.

Can I get benefits for my third child?

Schemes like PMMVY are usually restricted to the first live birth (and sometimes second if it's a girl). However, JSSK (free delivery) applies to all pregnancies.

Who is an ASHA worker?

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) are community health workers who act as the first port of call. They track pregnancies, assist with immunization, and accompany women to hospitals.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in