Tamil Nadu Woman Dies After Husband, Mother-In-Law Allegedly Attempt Home Birth Using YouTube Videos

Published 29 June 2026 · health

Tamil Nadu Woman Dies After Husband, Mother-In-Law Allegedly Attempt Home Birth Using YouTube Videos Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 15:38 IST After delivery

Tamil Nadu Woman Dies After Husband, Mother-In-Law Allegedly Attempt Home Birth Using YouTube Videos Published By, Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 15:38 IST After delivery, Sasikala was taken to a hospital, where doctors removed her uterus. Later, she was sent to another hospital. Despite three days of treatment, she died on June 28 Rapid Read The incident has also reignited concerns over the growing influence of unverified health advice circulating on YouTube and other social media platforms. A 32-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu died days after her family allegedly attempted to deliver her baby at home by following YouTube videos instead of taking her to a hospital, raising fresh concerns about the dangers of relying on social media for medical advice. According to The Hindu, Sasikala, a software engineer from Punjai Thalavaipalayam village in Tiruppur district, went into labour in the early hours of June 24. However, instead of seeking medical care, her husband and mother-in-law allegedly decided to conduct a “natural birth" at home after watching videos on YouTube.

The baby was delivered safely, but Sasikala suffered severe bleeding after the placenta failed to come out completely. No Antenatal Check-ups During Pregnancy Sasikala and her husband, Kolandaisamy, both worked as software engineers and already had a si year-old daughter who was born through a Caesarean section. Reports say Sasikala did not receive antenatal care during her second pregnancy. She was not taken to a hospital, underwent no medical check-ups and did not receive routine vaccinations. Despite having a previous C-section — a condition that often requires careful medical supervision during subsequent pregnancies — the family reportedly chose a home delivery. She Died Four Days Later According to The Times of India, Sasikala was first taken to a private hospital and later shifted to the Government Hospital in Erode, where doctors performed surgery to remove her uterus in an attempt to control the bleeding. As her condition deteriorated, she was referred to a private hospital in Coimbatore on June 25. Despite three days of treatment, she died on June 28.

The newborn is reported to be stable and under medical supervision. Health officials also said Sasikala’s pregnancy had not been registered under the state’s Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation (PICME) system. Husband Booked, Investigation Underway The incident has once again highlighted the risks of relying on unverified medical advice shared on social media platforms. Based on a complaint filed by the Block Medical Officer, Uttukuli police registered a case against Sasikala’s husband under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). Police said the family had opted for a home birth and that the investigation is ongoing. Not An Isolated Incident Officials said this is not the first such case in Tamil Nadu. Similar inspired home deliveries have previously resulted in maternal deaths in Krishnagiri and Tiruppur districts. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that home births can be particularly dangerous for women with a history of Caesarean delivery. Complications such as retained placenta and postpartum haemorrhage require immediate medical intervention, and delays in treatment can prove fatal.