Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Faye Rippon
Ref: 2014-0349
Date: 28 Jul 2014
Coroner: Dr Elizabeth Earland
Area: Exeter & Greater Devon
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted concerns that hospital protocols for foeticide before induction of labour do not allow its use at 21/40 gestation, which results in live births following late terminations. This situation is distressing for both staff and parents.
Date
28 Jul 2014
56-day deadline
22 Sep 2014 est.
estimated from the report date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted concerns that hospital protocols for foeticide before induction of labour do not allow its use at 21/40 gestation, which results in live births following late terminations. This situation is distressing for both staff and parents.
View full coroner's concerns
(1) write to express concerns that in this case performance of late terminations of pregnancy i.e. 21/40 gestation resulted in a live birth am aware your protocols for the use of a foeticide BEFORE induction of labour only allow foeticide to be used after this gestational date. However; believe the Abortion Act was amended specifically to avoid the problems posed with late terminations resulting in live births. (2)lt is extremely distressing for the midwives caring for the mother to be presented with a live which is not to receive life-saving medical attention, not to mention the lasting damage to the psyche of the parents_ (3)A similar case arose at Inquest in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital only six days ago so live birth post induction of labour for termination of pregnancy is not an isolated occurrence, aged baby
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On the 19th February 2014 commenced an investigation into the death of Faye Elizabeth RIPPON, day. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21st July 2014, The conclusion of the inquest was Lawful termination of pregnancy_
Circumstances of the death
Baby was delivered prematurely 21/40 gestation on 8'h February 2014 at North Devon District Hospital, following medical termination of pregnancy with Mifepristone and Gemeprost on 6*h/7th February 2014 in order to save mother's life.
Action should be taken
Urgent review of current protocols in use to evaluate the need for routine use of foeticide in late lawful terminations of pregnancy to avoid the distress of a live birth: have not addressed the ethical issue of whether such babies should be left to die and would be interested to know what is the current legallethical position:
Similar PFD reports
Report details
- Reference
- 2014-0349
- Date of report
- 28 July 2014
- Coroner
- Dr Elizabeth Earland
- Coroner area
- Exeter & Greater Devon
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 22 Sep 2014 (estimated from the report date).
Sent to
- North Devon District Hospital