Child of Pastor Dies During Home Birth Due to Refusal of Hospital Treatment Based on Faith

Idukki: A newborn baby died during a home birth in Maniyarankudy. The child was born to Pastor Johnson and his wife Biji, who refused hospital treatment due to their religious beliefs.

Johnson and his family, who work in Thiruvalla, had recently moved to Maniyarankudy as tenants. When health department officials arrived at their home after learning of the baby’s death, Biji initially refused to go to the hospital. She was later moved to the hospital after intervention from the police and local residents.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and have initiated an investigation into the incident.