In a shocking incident from Rajasthan, a 55-year-old woman, Rekha Galbelia, from Udaipur’s tribal community, gave birth to her 17th child at the Jhadol Community Health Centre on Tuesday. The case has raised serious concerns over healthcare awareness, family planning, and poverty in marginalized communities.

Rekha had previously given birth to 16 children, but tragically lost four sons and one daughter shortly after birth. Of her surviving children, five are already married with families of their own. Her daughter, Shila Kalbeliya, said, “Everyone is shocked to know our mother has so many children. We struggled a lot.”

Her husband, Kavra Kalbeliya, revealed their dire financial struggles. “We don’t have our own house. I borrowed money at 20% interest to feed our children, yet debts remain unpaid. We survive by collecting scrap, but we can’t afford food, weddings, or education,” he said.

Although the family was sanctioned a house under the PM Awas Yojana, they remain homeless as the land is not in their name. The attending gynecologist, Dr. Roshan Darangi, disclosed that the family initially misrepresented Rekha’s medical history, claiming it was her fourth pregnancy, only to later reveal it was her 17th.

This case highlights India’s persistent gaps in maternal healthcare and family planning, particularly in rural and tribal areas. A similar case in 2019 saw a 65-year-old woman in Rajasthan’s Kota district giving birth via IVF, sparking debates on health risks for women at advanced ages. Authorities are now expected to review the Galbelia family’s condition and consider extending support.