Jēkabpils hospital scandal: mother accuses staff of violent birth that endangered newborn's life

Complaints have been submitted to law enforcement and health oversight authorities alleging gross negligence and violence during a birth at Jēkabpils Regional Hospital, as reported by the TV3 program "Bez Tabu". The newborn suffered severe health damage as a result and is now being cared for at the Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS).

The mother's account

The mother says she arrived at the hospital in good time, with a doctor's referral, trusting her previous positive experience at the facility. However, she encountered a dismissive attitude from staff already at admission.

According to her, the situation worsened after a midwife arrived. The mother says the midwife used physical force to artificially induce labor without her consent and despite promising only a gentle examination. Since the baby had not yet settled into the correct position for birth, rapid and extremely painful contractions began. The mother says the pain prevented her from breathing properly, which she believes caused the baby to suffocate even before delivery.

Delayed assistance

The newborn was born not breathing, and according to the mother, no neonatologist was present in the delivery room at the time. Waiting for a specialist and starting resuscitation took between five and ten minutes. Due to oxygen deprivation, the baby suffered brain damage.

After successful resuscitation, the newborn was urgently transferred to BKUS in Riga, where he is receiving special therapy. Doctors expect he will likely need long-term medical monitoring in the coming years.

Hospital's response

Ervīns Keišs, chairman of the board of Jēkabpils Regional Hospital, stated in a written response that the hospital is currently gathering information and has requested explanations from the staff involved.