20 year old Comfort Ketor is ‘in a fix’ as she fears taking her newly born baby to her village because the child was delivered without hands whiles hospital authorities mount pressure on her to leave the premises because of lack of space.
In an interview with crimecheckghana, the young lady said she still has to linger on at the hospital after given birth because she cannot go home to boldly show off her ‘handless’ baby because of stigmatization and possible threats by members of the community. “I am afraid to take my baby to the village because of how he looks. They will turn us into a laughing stock. I do not know how I am going to explain myself when I am asked about the child.” She said.
According to the father of the baby, Isaac Oduro, his in-laws will not support them because of the nature of the child. The peasant farmer said because of financial difficulties, he has to take his wife and their baby to live with his mother to get support. “My parents are aware of the situation but my in-laws are not because I doubt they will accept the child. I am in talks with my parents to lead me to my in-laws to show them the child but for now I would take my wife and the child to my mother’s house for some time.” He said.
The midwife who assisted Comfort in her delivery, Mary Owusu said the baby lacked the necessary nutrients to fully develop and that is why it came out without hands. Ms. Owusu used the opportunity to advise expectant mothers not to downplay the importance of ante-natal care. “When Comfort first saw her baby she couldn’t withstand it so she collapsed. The baby developed without Folic acid and in the absence of such nutrients developing babies could deform. Expectant mothers should take their antenatal care serious to prevent such situations.” She advised.
Crime Check Foundation, CCF is appealing to individuals and organizations to support Comfort and her husband to cater for the child.
CCF’s Health Check Series is used to solicit support for sick individuals who cannot access medical care because of poverty.
