The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has begun investigating the actions taken in taking a child into state care upon birth.

It was the mother of the child who raised questions and expressed concern on social media after the child was taken into state care. The 25-year-old mother stated that her child was taken into state care citing her mental health issues and hand disability as reasons. She also stated that the child was taken on the third day after birth, against her will.

In a statement released regarding the matter, the Ministry of Health, Family and Social Services stated that the action taken regarding the child taken into state care upon birth was in accordance with the law, and that a child is taken into state care only in situations where protection cannot be ensured for the child by the family.

Regarding the matter, HRCM stated that a private party has submitted to the Commission the case circulating on social media claiming that an infant was unlawfully taken into state care after birth against the mother's will, and that the matter is being looked into.

As this case went viral on social media, many raised questions regarding the reasons why the child had to be taken into state care. Based on the account shared by the mother regarding this case, criticism was aimed at how the Gender Ministry acted in this matter.

The Child and Family Protection Agency sent a letter to the family outlining the reasons why the child was taken into state care. According to the letter, the child was taken because safety concerns had been submitted to the agency.

The letter stated that the reasons the state had to take the child born out of wedlock were the living environment and mental health condition of the mother, her hand disability, and the lack of anyone in the family to provide care.