By Tedler D. Depaynos, MD
Our friend just came abroad together with his wife where their daughter is working. They heard that their daughter was pregnant with her second child and was in her early third trimester. Due to a problem with their booking, their trip was delayed. They were sad that when they arrived, the pregnancy of their daughter was already terminated.
According to the hospital where their daughter was confined, the fetus was with a serious problem that if it would be delivered, it will “permanently be on a life support”. Hence, it would be best if it would be terminated. Being raised as a Catholic, their child could not take it. She cried a lot and so she called her parents to go there.
Although, she is in a Christian country, her religion which do not agree with abortion, is just a minor one. She was advised to be practical and since the husband would be responsible eventually to be the one supporting the “abnormal child to be”, he will have the dominant say in their decision. Her husband, who is a native to the country eventually agreed with the hospital recommendation, hence the abortion.
It was an eye opener to us because what our friend related is not a policy of the hospitals we are connected with and as far as we know in all the hospitals in our country. As long as there is life, save it!
The hospital where the termination was done must be very sophisticated so that even the disease or condition of the unborn child, they could determine. Our friend mentioned that it was “encephalitis”. We have heard of other hospitals that could do similar tests to determine the condition of the unborn fetus but am not aware if termination of pregnancy is being recommended. We inquired from an experienced OB-Gyn friend and he mentioned that it is true. They encountered similar cases but the possibility of abortion was never mentioned. Their religious beliefs still predominate. Perhaps the newer specialists in this field could enlighten us of any new trend.
The fetus was eventually cremated and placed in a can of teddy bear. This was given to the surviving child so that it would appear that she would be playing with her dead sibling.
Our friend together with his wife tried comforting their daughter but he has to come home earlier instead, leaving his wife behind because he had a hard time agreeing with his son in law’s decision.
Another hospital experience
After reading our previous article of “Hospital Experience” another friend called to relate his daughter’s experience.
His 4 year old “apo” vomited at home so his daughter brought her to the Emergency Room for consultation and treatment. The nurses on duty, however, advised them to go to the doctors’ offices and look for a pediatrician. There was no Pediatric Resident around and the Consultant On Call could only be called if the patient would be admitted. Following the advice of the nurses, they proceeded to the doctor’s offices but they found no pediatrician. When the patient suddenly vomited in the hallway, a lady secretary of a non-pediatrician helped them and guided them back to the ER. The nurses were very comforting and appeared to be calling an MD. Since they seemed to be waiting for nobody, they decided to transfer to another hospital when a vacant taxi suddenly arrived.
In the other hospital, the patient was quickly seen by a pediatrician with a number of uniformed personnel. She was sent home with medications and his daughter was advised to return his “apo” for follow-up.
Our friend was uttering some unsavory words because what if his “apo” was in a more serious condition? I did not comment because I know such could never happen in our local hospitals.
**
