Doctor Runs Out Of Delivery Room After Her Long Nails Cost Newborn Life

A Brazilian mother is denouncing her hospital after a doctor pierced her baby’s neck with her long nails during labor, causing fatal wounds

Ribeiro recounted how her baby was healthy and that she was in good spirits in the days leading up to her giving birth. She attended two different units, one public and one private, making an effort economically so that her daughter would have the best care possible.

Doctors at the private clinic warned her that the baby was too large to be safely delivered through natural birth and recommended she have a cesarean section instead.

The public establishment, however, dismissed this recommendation and allegedly forced the mother to deliver the baby naturally, which caused complications that eventually resulted in the doctor applying unnecessary force, rupturing her gloves, and damaging the infant’s neck with her nails.

Ribeiro explained how she was left waiting for 40 minutes to be treated by doctors with her water already broken and fluid running down her leg. When they finally came for her, she said personnel mistreated her, warning her to be silent.

“The doctor who did my prenatal care said that when I got there, I should be careful about how I spoke, not to shout, because they ‘mistreat people who complain,'” she stated.

When delivering the baby, Ribeiro said that the doctors told her that she would be “torn to pieces” and to keep pushing if she wanted her baby to live.

Bahia’s authorities have taken the baby’s body for an autopsy and have launched an investigation to determine legal responsibilities

The hospital’s version of events is that the baby was stillborn, a notion which Ribeiro and her family thoroughly deny.

“How did my daughter come out of me dead if she was alive before entering the delivery room? How did I feel her move? Why did the doctor show my husband her little head moving? Why did they try to resuscitate her? My daughter was not dead,” the mother explained.

Authorities have taken the baby to Brazil’s Forensic Medical Institute (IML) for an autopsy, launching an investigation alongside it that is expected to conclude in 30 days.

The Bahia State Health Department issued a statement related to the case.

“We express our deep consternation regarding the incident at the Albert Sabin maternity hospital,” it read. “We reiterate that our priority is the safety and well-being of all those involved, including patients, family members, and health professionals.”

Some say the doctor should be charged with murder

Authorities in Brazil will likely conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and whether the doctor acted negligently. This may include examining hospital protocols, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing medical records.

Obstetric violence refers to mistreatment, neglect, or abuse during childbirth. This case highlights why it's crucial for hospitals to uphold the highest standards of care and treat patients with dignity and respect.

Standard hospital practices generally require medical professionals to maintain short, clean nails to prevent injuries and infection. If this was not followed, it could indicate a breach of protocol.

The psychological impact on the mother and family is severe. Support from mental health professionals and patient advocacy groups is essential during such difficult times.

The family may pursue legal action against the hospital or doctor. This case could also lead to stricter regulations and reforms in Brazil's maternal healthcare system.

Healthcare providers are bound by ethical principles, including "do no harm" (non-maleficence). This incident raises serious ethical questions about the doctor’s adherence to these principles and whether she was fit for duty.

An investigation should assess whether the doctor received proper training and whether she held the necessary certifications to perform such a sensitive procedure. It also highlights the importance of ongoing professional evaluations.

Hospitals are responsible for ensuring their staff follow established safety protocols. This incident suggests potential systemic failures, such as inadequate supervision or lax enforcement of standards.

The mother reportedly wanted a cesarean section but was denied. Ensuring that patients' rights and preferences are respected in childbirth decisions is a fundamental aspect of medical care.

Brazilian health authorities will need to evaluate whether this case reflects broader issues within the healthcare system. Regulatory bodies must ensure that hospitals comply with safety and ethical standards.

This case could catalyze reforms in maternal care practices and policies. Advocacy groups may use this tragedy to push for better patient protections and healthcare reforms.

Incidents like this can erode public trust in the healthcare system. Transparent investigations and accountability measures are essential to restore confidence and prevent similar tragedies.