Summary:

We urge the government of India to introduce and enact a comprehensive Infant Protection Act (IPA) to safeguard abandoned, abused, and at-risk newborns. With rising cases of infanticide and unsafe abandonment, India urgently needs a dedicated legal framework to protect its most vulnerable citizens—its infants.

Our Petition:

Every year, thousands of newborns in India are abandoned, trafficked, or killed, often due to mental health, social stigma, gender bias, poverty, or lack of safe options. While there are fragmented provisions under various laws, there is no single, unified legislation focused solely on the protection of infants in critical situations.

The Reality:

1. In 2024, a total of 573 children between 0 and 1 year were abandoned annually in India, with newborns being the most vulnerable (Source: PAALONA). A significant number of cases go unreported, especially in rural areas.
2. Infant mortality remains high at 28 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2022), with many deaths preventable. Gender-based infanticide and unsafe abandonment continue in many parts of the country.
3. Safe surrender options exist in India, but awareness is low among both stakeholders and the public. These mechanisms lack clear legal guidelines, consistent implementation, and proper infrastructure. Many hospitals and police stations are unprepared, making access difficult for those who need it most.

Why India Needs the Infant Protection Act (IPA):

• Clear definition & protocols for dealing with abandoned or endangered infants’ cases.
• Mandatory reporting by hospitals, police, and community workers.
  Data infrastructure like a national grid of infant data for tracking, rehabilitation, and adoption readiness.
  Deployment of District Infant Protection Units, Special Infant Welfare Officers, and Rescue Teams trained in early intervention and trauma care. 
• Legal protection for individuals or institutions involved in infant rescue. Protect whistleblowers and frontline workers reporting infant abuse or trafficking.
• Coordination among CWC, SAA, hospitals, and police, through standard forms (e.g., Infant Protection Record, Rescue Referral Form).
• Develop and maintain a National Infant Welfare Registry to track infant rescue, care, and adoption pathways.
• Criminalizes infanticide, trafficking, and neglect with stronger penalties.

Our Proposed Solutions:

• Draft and pass the Infant Protection Act in Parliament with urgency.
• Mandate a nationwide Safe Surrender Scheme (SSS) under one legal framework.
• Establish Infant Protection Service Providers (IPSPs) across districts.
• Create a dedicated budget and assign accountability to district collectors and child welfare committees.
• Launch public awareness campaigns in rural and urban areas to destigmatize surrender and promote reporting.
• Integrate IPR, NCR, SSF, and RRF forms in police stations and hospitals nationwide.
• Train ASHAs, ANMs, police (CWPOs), and Childline teams to identify early risk signs, counsel families, and respond swiftly.

Call to Action:

We call upon

• Honorable Prime Minister of India and The Prime Minister’s Office
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Home, Ministry of Law, and the Ministry of Health, Family Planning, and Welfare
• All Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha)
• The NCPCR and SCPCRs
• The Human Rights Commission
• State Governments

To take immediate steps to draft and pass the Infant Protection Act and protect every infant’s right to life, dignity, and care.

Sign this petition today to stand up for voiceless infants and be a part of legal reform that can save thousands of lives.