Neonatal Health In India: A Human Rights-Based Approach To Protecting The Right To Life And Health

Abstract

The right to life is a universally recognized and inviolable human right, enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and echoed in numerous international treaties and declarations. Neonatal health, which encompasses the survival, well-being, and development of newborns in the first 28 days of life, forms a foundational component of this right. India has implemented several laws and policies aimed at reducing infant mortality and enhancing maternal and child healthcare. However, persistent issues such as infanticide, neglect, inadequate health infrastructure, and socio-economic inequalities continue to endanger neonatal lives. This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of neonatal health from a human rights perspective. It examines India’s legal framework, judicial interventions, international obligations, and policy initiatives. It also investigates prevalent human rights violations against infants, compares global best practices, and suggests strategic reforms.

The research argues for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates constitutional mandates, legal enforcement, healthcare reform, gender justice, and societal awareness to ensure that every newborn enjoys the right to a healthy and dignified start in life. Special emphasis is placed on the intersection of health and justice, identifying critical areas where systemic failures hinder neonatal care. By highlighting case studies and judicial precedents, the paper demonstrates how Indian courts have responded to violations of neonatal rights. It also critiques the limitations in policy implementation, especially in rural and tribal regions. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of community-based health models and midwifery-led care systems. The role of international cooperation and adherence to global benchmarks is analyzed as a catalyst for domestic reform. Ultimately, the paper calls for stronger institutional accountability, transparent governance, and inclusive policy mechanisms to safeguard the most vulnerable segment of the population—our newborns.