Amicus Curiae Report on the Circumstances of the Death of Laxmi, destitute pregnant woman
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Laxmi was a destitute, homeless woman who lived, gave birth, and died in the streets of Connaught Place, a neighborhood in the heart of Delhi. On the 26th of July Laxmi delivered a baby girl assisted only by another homeless woman.
Four days went by as Laxmi struggled to survive but no action was taken. She ultimately died of septicemia. Her story highlights the plight of the homeless in India, and particularly those of pregnant destitute women unaware and unable to access the basic entitlements to live with dignity. Laxmi was denied her fundamental rights to reproductive health, life, food, and shelter.