7 hours ago
Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 14:58 IST
Abby Holland's baby was stillborn after hospital staff ignored her labour pains for 12 hours. A post-mortem confirmed negligence; the hospital later apologised
A student midwife responded finally and found no heartbeat, after which Abby was moved to the delivery suite, where a scan confirmed her daughter had died, forcing her to deliver a stillborn baby. (News18)
The journey to motherhood is often filled with a mix of anxiety, pain, and joy; a time when both medical care and compassion are essential. However, for 20-year-old Abby Holland from Kent, that journey ended in heartbreak due to what she describes as appalling negligence by hospital staff. Her baby girl was stillborn following a series of ignored warnings and delayed medical responses.
Unexpected Labour And Need For Urgent Care
Abby’s pregnancy had been proceeding normally until, at just under 24 weeks, she began experiencing severe pain and her waters broke unexpectedly. She rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital, where staff transferred her to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, the nearest facility with a neonatal intensive care unit.
Upon arrival, Abby was met with dismissive comments from a specialist who said there was little hope of survival for “such a small baby", allegedly referring to her unborn daughter as “scrap".
Though the hospital initially indicated it would attempt to save the baby, Abby was left unattended in a room for 12 hours. Despite her mother’s repeated requests for medical attention, they were told her pain was “normal".
During this time, Abby suffered a placental abruption and experienced significant bleeding. At one point, she fainted. A student midwife eventually responded and found no heartbeat.
Abby was then transferred to the delivery suite, where a scan confirmed the worst, her daughter had died. She was forced to deliver her stillborn baby.
Calls For Accountability
Two days later, a community midwife, unaware of the stillbirth, visited Abby at home. Upon learning the circumstances, she confirmed that the hospital had been negligent and advised legal action.
A post-mortem revealed no genetic abnormalities, and the placenta was found to be healthy. It was later discovered that both Abby and her mother carried Factor V Leiden, a genetic clotting disorder that may lead to complications in pregnancy.
Following a formal complaint, the hospital issued an apology and pledged to learn from the incident. Nonetheless, Abby’s grief remains, and she continues to describe the standard of care she received as deeply inadequate.
Location :United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:News world Hospital Called Her Baby ‘Scrap’. Hours Later, She Was Forced To Deliver A Stillborn Daughter
