Trial for childbirth injury to resume in June
In her claim filed last year, a mother recounted how nurses allegedly physically and verbally assaulted her during labour, including slapping her face.
The legal case of 25-year-old Whitney Snyder, who allegedly suffered pubic symphysis diastasis while under medical care at Otjiwarongo State Hospital in February 2019, is set to continue trial on 23 June 2025.
Snyder is suing the ministry of health for N$1.5 million in damages after allegedly dislocating her left hip and fracturing her pelvis during childbirth. She initially filed the lawsuit in February 2022.
On 8 November 2024, the High Court appointed Dr. Godfrey Sichimwa, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, as an expert witness to provide evidence regarding the medical treatment Snyder received before and after giving birth to her son on 16 February 2019.
In his expert report, submitted as part of the court documents, Dr. Sichimwa stated that Snyder’s complications could have been prevented if she had been properly monitored by a medical officer during labor.
He concluded that the separation of her thighs during delivery may have contributed to her pubic symphysis diastasis. He further noted that while future pregnancies remain possible, Snyder would need to deliver via Caesarean section, as vaginal delivery is now contraindicated in her case.
Snyder has also alleged that some nursing staff forcefully held her thighs apart to facilitate the vaginal delivery, an action Dr. Sichimwa stated could lead to diastasis if done forcefully. In her claim filed last year, Snyder recounted that nurses physically and verbally assaulted her during labour, including slapping her face.
'Uncooperative' patient
Dr. Biti Phaka, who was on duty at the time, assisted Snyder during delivery. She testified that she was called to the maternity ward between 20:30 and 21:00 by a nurse who reported that Snyder was not cooperating with staff.
Upon arriving in the delivery room, Dr. Phaka pleaded with Snyder to cooperate, emphasising that it was crucial for the successful delivery of her child. Snyder eventually 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.
Dr. 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.
Snyder is suing the ministry of health for N$1.5 million in damages after allegedly dislocating her left hip and fracturing her pelvis during childbirth. She initially filed the lawsuit in February 2022.
On 8 November 2024, the High Court appointed Dr. Godfrey Sichimwa, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist, as an expert witness to provide evidence regarding the medical treatment Snyder received before and after giving birth to her son on 16 February 2019.
In his expert report, submitted as part of the court documents, Dr. Sichimwa stated that Snyder’s complications could have been prevented if she had been properly monitored by a medical officer during labor.
He concluded that the separation of her thighs during delivery may have contributed to her pubic symphysis diastasis. He further noted that while future pregnancies remain possible, Snyder would need to deliver via Caesarean section, as vaginal delivery is now contraindicated in her case.
Snyder has also alleged that some nursing staff forcefully held her thighs apart to facilitate the vaginal delivery, an action Dr. Sichimwa stated could lead to diastasis if done forcefully. In her claim filed last year, Snyder recounted that nurses physically and verbally assaulted her during labour, including slapping her face.
'Uncooperative' patient
Dr. Biti Phaka, who was on duty at the time, assisted Snyder during delivery. She testified that she was called to the maternity ward between 20:30 and 21:00 by a nurse who reported that Snyder was not cooperating with staff.
Upon arriving in the delivery room, Dr. Phaka pleaded with Snyder to cooperate, emphasising that it was crucial for the successful delivery of her child. Snyder eventually 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.
Dr. 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.
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