9th standard student in Kerala's Idukki gives birth; case filed against 8th grade boy

Idukki: A 14-year-old ninth-grade student has given birth to a baby boy at a private hospital in Kattappana, Idukki. A case has been filed against a 14-year-old eighth-standard boy, who is a relative of the girl and whom she has identified as the father.

According to the girl, the pregnancy occurred while she was staying at her mother’s house during school vacation, where she and the boy became close. The girl’s parents are separated. 

The girl, who lives with her father, experienced severe abdominal pain the day before delivery and was taken to a hospital for an examination. It was there that doctors found out that she was pregnant, a fact that remained unknown until then. She gave birth on Thursday morning, and both the girl and baby are reported to be in good health.

Investigation, legal action

As both the girl and the boy are minors, a detailed investigation is underway. Authorities have informed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) about the case. The girl will be presented before the CWC, which will determine the next step. The girl’s family has informed Childline that they cannot care for the newborn, who has since been moved to the hospital's child care centre.

The boy involved in the case will be placed in the care of a child rehabilitation centre while the investigation continues. Further action will be taken only after a thorough investigation into the situation.