A viral video from a Prayagraj hospital showing a mother-in-law mocking her daughter-in-law in labour has left the internet furious. Netizens call out “toxic family dynamics” and demand empathy for women during childbirth.
A shocking video from Uttar Pradesh has set the internet ablaze, not for what was said, but for the sheer lack of empathy captured in a hospital’s labour room.
Shared by Dr. Naaz Fatima from Naaz Hospital in Prayagraj, the viral Instagram clip shows a young woman in labour surrounded by her family, while her husband holds her hand in support. But instead of offering comfort, her mother-in-law’s taunts have become the latest flashpoint in India’s ongoing conversation about empathy, respect, and women’s dignity.
The Viral Moment That Sparked Outrage
In the short video, the elderly woman can be heard snapping, “Chhoro unka haath (Let go of his hand),” when she sees her son comforting his wife. When another relative asks why, she sharply replies, “Munh bandh karo ekdum. Maar de munh pe hum? Galaa dabaa de toh awaaz naa nikli”, a chilling mix of menace and mockery, all while the woman in labour lies helplessly on the hospital bed.
A concerned family member even tries to stop her, saying, “Amma, case ho jaayega (This could become a police case),” but the taunts continue. Later, when the nurse brings the newborn, the older woman carries on with her “advice,” even telling the new mother she should have opted for a normal delivery.
Watch the video here
“It Was Just a Prank”, But Netizens Aren’t Laughing
A text overlay later claims, “Prank kiya tha, ulta pad gaya (It was meant as a prank, but it backfired),” suggesting that the whole episode was meant humorously.
But the internet wasn’t buying it. Dr. Naaz captioned the video, “Is time pe pyaar se baat karna hota hai (At such a time, one should speak gently),” emphasizing the need for compassion during childbirth, a message echoed by thousands of viewers who flooded the comments section.
Internet Reacts: “Being Old Isn’t a Free Pass for Cruelty”
Social media erupted with reactions, many expressing disbelief and anger at how normalized emotional abuse can be in Indian families.
“Aisi saas to dushman ko bhi na de,” wrote one user.
“Hard to watch a pregnant woman being disrespected and no one saying a word. Age doesn’t automatically make you kind,” commented another.
“They cannot bear to see their son holding his wife’s hand, wow, even in a labour room,” said a third.
“You see a problematic saas. I see a husband who failed to protect his wife,” another person wrote, sparking debate about complicity and silence.
While a few defended the elderly woman, calling it “cultural humour” or “tough love,” most users condemned the behavior, saying there’s no excuse for insensitivity when a woman is at her most vulnerable.
What was allegedly intended as a light-hearted prank has now opened up a larger conversation about toxic family dynamics, gender roles, and how society treats women during childbirth.
In the end, whether “prank” or not, the takeaway was clear, empathy costs nothing, but its absence can hurt more than words.
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