Trial of woman with childbirth injury to resume in June

The legal case of Whitney Snyder (25), who suffered pubic symphysis diastasis under the care of medical staff at Otjiwarongo State Hospital in February 2019, is set to continue trial on 23 June 2025. Snyder is suing the health ministry for N$1.5 million in damages after allegedly dislocating her left hip and fractured her pelvis during childbirth, a lawsuit she filed in February 2022.On November 8, 2024, the high court appointed Dr. Godfrey Sichimwa, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist , was an expert witness to provide evidence regarding the medical treatment Whitney Snyder received before and after the birth of her son on 16 February 2019. In his expert report, filed as part of the court documents, Sichimwa explains that Snyder’s complications could have been avoided if she had been properly monitored by a medical officer during labor. “In conclusion, the separation of the thighs during delivery may have contributed to the patient’s pubic symphysis diastasis. Future pregnancies are still possible, but delivery will have to be by cesarean section, as vaginal delivery is now contraindicated in this case". Snyder also indicated that some nursing staff allegedly held her thighs apart to facilitate the vaginal delivery, which Sichimwa says could cause diastasis if done forcefully.In her particulars of claim filed last year, she recalls the nurses physically and verbally assaulting her, including slapping her face.'Uncooperative' patientDr Biti Phaka was on duty and assisted Snyder in delivering her child. "I was called to the maternity ward by the nurse around 20:30 to 21:00, who claimed Snyder was not cooperating with the nurses," she explained.When Phaka arrived in the delivery room, she reportedly pleaded with Snyder to cooperate, emphasising that it was imperative for the successful delivery of her child. Snyder complied."She was screaming and pulling her legs together, but we supported her as best as we could. She eventually delivered her child, suffering vaginal and anal tearing with minimal bleeding. I left the nurses to attend to that," Phaka testified. Sichimwa explained that when a first-time mother is uncooperative, making it difficult to monitor her or follow medical protocols, a Caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Trial of woman with childbirth injury to resume in June

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Allgemeine Zeitung 2025-05-28

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Trial of woman with childbirth injury to resume in June

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Allgemeine Zeitung 2025-05-28

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