My husband is an OB-GYN at USC in Los Angeles, California. When he read the NY Times front page story on Sarah Palin's pregnancy, he was so astounded by her account that he wrote a response to Letters to the Editor. The NY Times did not run his response, but I feel it's important enough to post for all interested on Gather.
Dear Editor:
Monday's (NYTimes front page story, 8 September 2008) account of Sarah Palin's pregnancy and birth of her son, baby Trig, does not support her assumed mantle of "new way" motherhood. Rather, the emerging chronicle of her pregnancy, at best, suggests denial and duplicity, and at worst, prevarication and indifference to her and her child's wellbeing.
The relevant issues are commonly covered in any "sex ed" class. It is well known that women in their forties, have greater risks of giving birth to children with chromosomal and other fetal abnormalities which can be lethal. Women in this age group are offered amniocentesis (needle collection of amniotic fluid) only after careful counseling which emphasizes the small but significant risks of fetal harm and pregnancy loss. Therefore, amniocentesis would prudently be done only if pregnancy termination is a real consideration-----not for curiosity or to "prepare" family and friends. Mrs. Palin's subsequent and systematic and successful attempts to hide her pregnancy (long scarves, loose clothing), slips the lie to any notion of knowledgeable preparation. Indeed, her daughter made the diagnosis of Down's Syndrome correctly after birth.
Air travel (Anchorage to Dallas) near term is widely advised against with one of the risks being rupture of the "bag of waters". Leaking amniotic fluid exposes the baby to sequelae of infection, prematurity, and suboptimal birth circumstances, with possible lifetime consequences. Filling in for another speaker and traveling back to her community hospital in Wasilla is "beyond the pale" of standard medical practice. No wonder her obstetrician failed to return inquiries.
Returning to work a few days after giving birth subverts early baby/mother care, attachment, successful breastfeeding, and family formation.
In summary, Mrs. Palin's conduct during and post pregnancy is not a model for any "new way", but instead, a reversion to ignorance, denial, and willingness to put her child at unnecessary risk. Could it be that Mrs. Palin's disregard for her unborn child's welfare is in direct conflict with her stated "family values"?
James A, McGregor, MD, CM
Visiting Professor, OB-Gyn, Keck School of Medicine,
The University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
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Comments: 33
Aside from the highly questionable behavior discussed in this post, Palin's political ambitions clearly outweigh any interest she might have in providing the kind of responsible parenting a special needs child like this requires. At this point her son is little different from any other baby, but that will quickly change as he matures. He will need a great deal more intensive attention and care than her other, older children do.
How much time do you imagine Ms. Palin has spent with her baby since her selection by Sen. McCain as his running mate? While she is desperately cramming for the upcoming debate, pressing the flesh all over the country, and dodging journalists with tough
questions her baby will likely forget who Mommy is.
Is this is the kind of "Family Values" conscientious conservatives subscribe to?
-- the need for concealment
-- the blatent disregard for warning signs
-- the flippancy
-- the gaps in what seems "standard of care" for any high-risk pregnancy (all of them over 50 are)
makes me doubt her judgement.
How does someone think "hiding" the pregnancy is going to help family, friends, career, etc? You might not disclose the "Downs" diagnosis early on, but a pregnancy?
I'm glad for you that your husband was not called in to participate with this pregnancy. Talk about a liability setup .... and because of the patient.
Amnios are never "required" due to the possibility of damaging the fetus, certainly not if you plan on having your baby irregardless of the results.
Thanks for the suggestion. My husband's talking about sending his views to the Huffington Post. I think the LA Times is another great idea.
I had my last child when I was 40. Reading the circumstances of Palins birth to me it shows how little regard she has for anything but herself and her goals.
I agree that this proves she is irresponsible and hypocritical. There are far more important reasons why I think she is unfit for the position she is in.
We're talking about someone who could wind up President of the United States, able to veto bills, submit legislation to Congress, appoint people to the Supreme Court, and determine the course of this nation. Everything about her should be our business. We need to know if she is fit to lead this nation.
When a person espouses to be the leader of the free world, their personal behavior must be scrutinized. However, as it is McCain who would be president, it is his lack of judgement concerning picking someone so unqualified and out of their league that must be scrutinized.
who knows if it is true, but it sure leaves a lot of questions unanswered. More secrecy. Just what we need in the WH.
The doc wanted to do amino on me since there was a problem with another test...I declined since I was in denial.