Amelia Calzadilla, a Cuban woman renowned for her outspoken criticism of the Cuban regime, took to social media to recount her traumatic third childbirth in 2019, nearly costing her life due to medical negligence. Her story has resonated with many, shedding light on the deficiencies and dangers of a healthcare system that, in her case, risked both her life and her baby's.
In a candid Facebook post, Calzadilla described how a misdiagnosis of fetal size during pregnancy led to the forced natural delivery of a nearly 11-pound baby. This incorrect decision not only caused undue suffering but also resulted in a massive hemorrhage ten days after giving birth, severely impacting her health.
"They made me deliver a baby weighing almost 11 pounds, which caused a hemorrhage ten days postpartum, endangering my life," Calzadilla recounted. She did not hesitate to share photos of her newborn and the days following the birth, inviting her followers to question whether a natural delivery was appropriate or if a cesarean would have been safer.
The most shocking aspect of her ordeal was the lack of clear explanations from the medical staff. "We were never given a sensible explanation for why I was exposed to such a risk," Calzadilla recalled. She also detailed how the medical response was limited to emergency measures, including "cold-blooded" cauterization of cervical arteries to save her life.
"They never acknowledged that the subsequent uterine hemorrhage and the resulting cauterization were related to the fetus's size," she lamented. Amelia also shared her mother's distress upon learning of her critical condition in intensive care. "My mom almost lost her mind when she found out I was reported in critical condition with three little ones who needed me alive," she explained, highlighting the family's agony amidst the hospital staff's dismissive attitude.
Calzadilla questioned the arrogance of some medical personnel who downplayed the situation. "More than once, they told her to calm down, arrogantly implying she had no reason to be upset, and others believed we should be grateful for saving me after nearly causing my death," she criticized.
According to Calzadilla, this tragic experience underscores the perils of Cuba's healthcare system, where resource shortages, inadequate medical tests, and faulty diagnoses are prevalent. "When I say our healthcare system endangers patients' lives, this is what I mean," she commented, urging those who still believe in the system's purported excellence to reconsider.
She emphasized how a simple medical test or a correct diagnosis could have been the difference between life and death. Her account has not only moved her supporters but also sparked broader reflection on the precarious state of Cuba's healthcare, a system the regime touts as a cornerstone of its supposed success, despite its myriad shortcomings affecting millions.
Understanding the Challenges in Cuba's Healthcare System
What led to Amelia Calzadilla's near-fatal childbirth experience?
A misdiagnosis of fetal size resulted in an incorrect decision to have a natural birth, leading to a severe hemorrhage postpartum.
How did the medical staff respond to her condition?
The response was limited to emergency interventions, including the cauterization of cervical arteries, without providing a sensible explanation for the risks she faced.
What broader issues does her story highlight about Cuba's healthcare?
Her story highlights systemic issues such as resource shortages, inadequate medical testing, and frequent misdiagnoses that endanger patients' lives.