Review launched into previable fetus delivery at New Amsterdam Hospital

The Ministry of Health has launched a review into an incident at the New Amsterdam Hospital involving the delivery of a previable fetus, expressing regret over the circumstances and offering condolences to the affected family.
The ministry said the review will examine whether clinical protocols were followed and identify any gaps in patient care and communication. It added that appropriate action will be taken once the review is completed.

The incident involved a 26-year-old patient, Kelisha Pestano, who was approximately 24 weeks and five days pregnant when she presented to the hospital late on Jan. 14 with lower back pain and mild vaginal bleeding, without uterine contractions.
Health officials said Pestano was diagnosed with a threatened abortion involving a previable fetus and was admitted for monitoring and management. She was counselled on the prognosis and potential outcomes should her condition progress.
In the early hours of Jan. 15, Pestano developed uterine contractions and experienced a spontaneous miscarriage, resulting in the delivery of a previable fetus.

Based on an initial visual assessment, the fetus was presumed to be deceased and was handed over to relatives, the ministry said. A previable fetus is defined as one that is not capable of surviving outside the uterus, even with medical support, and resuscitative efforts are not medically indicated.
Relatives later reported observing signs of life, after which the fetus was returned to the hospital. Supportive care was provided, but the fetus was subsequently declared deceased.
The Ministry of Health said it regrets the distress caused by the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of care across the public health system.