Although attitudes of men towards women in remote rural areas of India are changing, as indicated by the study, a challenging task remains ahead. Although health care services exist, it is inadequate and the quality is poor. Again, the availability of health care services cannot ensure proper health care practices. It would require a shift in health seeking behavior. In most of the villages, all contributory factors leading to maternal mortality exists such as poor antenatal and postnatal care, lack of trained assistance, lack of access to emergency services and referral, and poor means of transportation.
Early marriages occur despite a law for legal age for marriage.
Therefore, good laws and services for education and health care although required do not guarantee social change. Ajai Lal is a writer based in New Delhi. Comments about this story. The Earth Times All rights reserved.