Maternal Mortality Crisis: Medical Negligence Forces Expectant Family Into Premature Delivery; Human, Civil, Parental, and Patient Rights Violated

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - On October 28, 2022, the Washington family checked into Sarasota Memorial Hospital after mom experienced severe pains in her abdomen at just 23 weeks pregnant. Absent a thorough observation of the mother and her growing baby, hospital staff dismissed her complaints as simply “pregnancy pains,” sending her home with antibiotics and a muscle relaxer. Just 9 hours later, she was rushed back to the hospital in excruciating pain, only to discover she was in labor and her cervix was more than 1 cm dilated. Additionally, her amniotic sac (water) had broken and meconium (fetal feces) was present, the umbilical cord was wrapped three times around the baby's neck, and she was experiencing a placental abruption, resulting in severe internal bleeding. Despite being in early labor, the hospital pressured mom to submit to a drug test in exchange for pain relief. Ultimately, she was denied any pain relief for more than three hours. When finally seen by a physician, they are told that had they not returned to the hospital, both mother and baby would have died that night. An emergency C-section was then performed to save both lives. The newborn continues to fight for her life.

The family has major concerns regarding the level of care and respect they received postpartum. Mom felt unsafe while admitted to the hospital, stating, “had I been a dog, I would have gotten better care.” The family alleges ongoing human, civil, Indigenous, parental, and patient rights violations, as well as medical reporting fraud. They cite the Racial Integrity Act of 1924, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Florida Patient's Bill of Rights, birth registration inconsistent with Florida Statute Title XXIX, Section 382.013, and more.  This ordeal has traumatized them and impacted their ability to sustain themselves financially. The family is also experiencing a housing crisis after recently losing their home under questionable legal circumstances. They are raising funds to locate housing, secure compassionate health care, and retain legal representation. The hashtags #9Miracle and #9Strong will  promote  awareness of their premature newborn’s recovery.