JUMLA, Aug. 14 -- Putali Mahatara of Patarasi Rural Municipality, Jumla gave birth at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS) last Wednesday. Upon learning that she had delivered a girl, Putali's husband Bir Bahadur Mahatara simply left them there. Such instances of neglect toward female newborn is rampant in the district.

Putali was left to her own devices and feeling distraught over a husband who turned his back on her at such a crucial time. Within 10 days of the delivery, the hospital discharged the 35-year-old woman. She was in hospital longer than usual because of an accident injury from the past. She was weak and could barely walk home. "I wish no one else will have to go through what I've gone through," she said.

She approache...