Becoming a mother is the most beautiful journey of every woman’s life, but this journey also comes with many responsibilities and health challenges. In a country like India where maternal mortality rate and inequality of health services is still a big challenge, it is very important to spread awareness about safe pregnancy and motherhood. For this purpose, National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated every year on 11 April.
This day becomes even more special in 2025 as we are moving towards a future where every mother can get care, respect and protection.
What is National Safe Motherhood Day?
National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated every year on 11 April. This day has been chosen as the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi ji, who was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi and is considered a symbol of Indian women power. This day was started by White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) in 2003, whose aim is to spread awareness for the safety and health of pregnant women and newborns.
India is the only country in the world to have recognized a special day at the national level for the protection of motherhood.
Why is safe pregnancy and motherhood important?
Pregnancy is not only an emotional and physical experience, it is also a serious health-related process. Many complications can arise during pregnancy and childbirth, but they can be prevented with proper care and information.
Safe Pregnancy and Motherhood ensures:
- Timely antenatal and postnatal care
- Safe delivery by trained health workers
- Access to emergency medical facilities
- Nutritious diet and mental support
- Dignity and respect of the mother
By taking care of these things, we can reduce the mortality rate of mothers and infants to a great extent.
Theme and message of National Safe Motherhood Day 2025
Although the theme of every year may be different, the main objective always remains the same – to provide quality maternity services to every woman and to bring safe pregnancy and motherhood to every home.
The message of 2025 will be
- Providing women with a dignified and respectful childbirth experience
- Reducing maternal mortality rate
- Equal health services in rural and urban areas
- Participation of men and families
- Protection of women’s rights
Challenges in the way of safe motherhood
Even today, there are many obstacles in the way of safe motherhood in India:
- Lack of awareness: Many women in rural areas are still deprived of important information related to childbirth.
- Lack of health services: Lack of trained doctors and good facilities, especially in rural areas, is a serious problem.
- Social barriers: Many women are unable to seek health services due to family pressure, early marriage and male-dominated thinking.
- Malnutrition: Pregnant women suffer from severe deficiency of iron and essential nutrition.
- Financial problem: The cost of health services becomes a big obstacle for many families.
Initiatives of the Government of India
The government has launched several schemes to promote safe pregnancy and motherhood:
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Poor pregnant women are given financial assistance for institutional delivery.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Free medical checkup facility is provided on the 9th of every month.
LaQshya Yojana
Emphasis on improving the quality of delivery services in government hospitals.
Poshan Abhiyaan
Initiative to improve the nutrition level for pregnant women and children.
These schemes have provided life-saving facilities to millions of women.
Role of family and men
Motherhood is not only the responsibility of the woman. The support of the husband and family proves to be a boon for a woman:
- Providing rest and proper diet to the woman
- Getting regular check-ups from the doctor
- Providing mental and emotional support
- Being there during delivery and being involved in every decision
In this way, safe pregnancy and motherhood can be implemented in every household.
What can we do?
You can also be a part of this campaign:
- Giving information to women around you
- Spreading awareness on social media
- Telling about health services
- Joining local NGOs or government schemes
- Respecting and encouraging women
Even small steps can change someone’s life.
Conclusion: If mother is safe, then society is healthy
National Safe Motherhood Day 2025 is not just a date, but a resolution – that every mother gets the right to respect, safety and health. When we take care of the mother, we strengthen the foundation of the society.
Come, on this day let us all together spread Safe Pregnancy and Motherhood to every home, every village and every city. Because only when the mother is safe, the family and the nation will be strong.