55-Year-Old Woman Gives Birth to 17th Child, Shocking Doctors

UDAIPUR, INDIA – A 55-year-old woman from a tribal community in Rajasthan's Udaipur district has given birth to her 17th child, a rare case that has surprised medical professionals and sparked discussions about healthcare access and family planning. The woman, Rekha Kalbelia, delivered the baby at a community health center in the Jhadol area of Udaipur. Health officials said the case came to light after doctors discovered that the newborn was her 17th child, far more than initially reported by family members. According to reports, Rekha and her husband, Kavara Ram Kalbelia, have had 17 children over the years. Five of the children died shortly after birth, leaving 12 surviving children. Several of their older children are already married and have children of their own, making Rekha both a mother to a newborn and a grandmother. Doctors described the pregnancy as high-risk due to her age and history of multiple childbirths. Medical experts warned that women who undergo numerous pregnancies face increased risks of severe bleeding and other complications. Fortunately, both mother and baby survived the delivery. The family's financial condition remains difficult. Reports indicate that they live in poverty, with the father working as a scrap dealer and struggling to support the large household. Health officials have launched inquiries into the case and said it highlights continuing challenges related to education, healthcare access, and family planning awareness in some rural and tribal communities.