Video footage shows the moment a pregnant woman in China kneels in front of her family, begging them to agree to a C-section.
Earlier reports claim that the family refused and following this, Ma committed suicide, jumping from the 20th floor of a hospital to her death on September 4.
However her husband has since responded, claiming that it was the hospital that refused to give her a C-section, reports the People’s Daily Online.
Doctors had advised the 26-year-old undergo surgery as natural birth was too dangerous
The woman was seen several times walking around the hospital in distress
Original reports in Chinese media said that Ma was admitted to Yulin Number 1 Hospital on August 30.
Doctors had reportedly told Ma that the fetus’ large head circumference meant that a natural birth would have been risky to the health of the mother.
Its claimed that she was told she should have a caesarean section.
Under Chinese law, family members have to give permission before medical staff conduct the surgery.
The hospital released a statement yesterday about the case on social media site Weibo. It claimed that the family had refused a C-section for Ma.
It said: ‘She left the room many times due to irritability and asked for a C-section however the recommendations were rejected by their families.
The maternal pain became too unbearable leading to her becoming emotional and jumping.’
Video footage shows the woman kneeling in front of her family begging for a C-section
After telling staff she couldn’t bear the pain, she jumped from the 20th floor of the hospital
The hospital also showed a contract that Ma and her husband had signed declaring to go ahead with a natural delivery despite knowing the risks.
They confirmed that the incident was being investigated.
Video footage shows posted online shows the woman looking in pain and wandering around the hospital before kneeling to her family.
Following reports, Ma’s husband spoke with reporters and released a statement of his own claiming that doctors had denied her a C-section at the last minute.
The statement said: ‘She was in such pain that I couldn’t hold her up for much longer.’
‘She said she needed a C-section.’
According to iFeng, the doctor involved in Ma’s treatment has been suspended.
Many people have commented on the news story on Chinese site news163.com.
One user said: ‘We should reflect on why mothers do not have the right to speak. Maternal views should be respected.’
While another commented: ‘The in-laws and the husband must be completely desperate.’
And one user wrote: ‘There are medical staff. How did the woman manage to commit suicide.’
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local branch or go to www.samaritans.org.