The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) sought an answer from the Jharkhand government on a media report of tribal women in an advanced state of pregnancy dying because of alleged lack of medical assistance.
"The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report of women's deaths in advanced stages of pregnancy because of lack of medical assistance in Santhali villages in Godda district in Jharkhand," said an NHRC statement.
"Most of the pregnant women in villages of the district have severe iron deficiency, leading to problems in blood clotting and uterus contraction, which causes death," the statement said.
A notice has been issued to the state government through its chief secretary, calling for a report in the matter within four weeks.