Wild animals give birth. They go through the “maternal process,” but sometimes complications occur. They may bleed, experience terrible pains, and die — probably in a pile of wet, dirty leaves or a dark, deep hole.

Domesticated animals who experience gynecological events are usually taken to a veterinarian by their compassionate, loving owners, and therefore receive proper care. Lives are saved or respectful procedures are performed for the best humane results possible.

Now on a human level, with women and even young girls (still children), it seems to some that it no longer matters or is not important at all. If your loved one was pregnant, bleeding to death, experiencing excruciating pain, and emotionally and physically overwhelmed, would you just sit with her, hold her hand, and watch her die? Or would you beg for help from anyone or everyone, especially those trained to safely handle the care to preserve life and to do everything possible for the best outcome of the pregnancy, the mother and the child(ren)?

If your loved one did survive, she could suffer severe, relentless mental anguish and depression for the rest of her life. What happened to our society where women and girls are treated with less care, less consideration, and less love than maybe a guinea pig, cat, or dog? Should jail time or fines for anyone involved be part of this whole fiasco … in the U.S.?

As a trained former registered nurse, employed by Cooley Dickinson Hospital for over 35 years, I’ve been an advocate for women and women’s health for my entire career. I’ve dedicated much of my life caring for babies, children, the elderly, and oncology patients, and have always led with love, understanding, and compassion. As a nurse, this is a duty and a privilege.

Florice B. Simeone

Florence