Triple tragedy — Misinformed consent
Sunday, February 24th, 2008Update: After the publication of this post, Michelle Malkin also blogged on Emma Beck’s death and used the Silent No More link. I am honored that Ms. Malkin and I are on the same side of this issue and support the same organization.
Artist hanged herself after aborting her twins
Last Updated: 2:03am GMT 22/02/2008
An artist killed herself after aborting her twins when she was eight weeks pregnant, leaving a note saying: “I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum.”
Emma Beck was found hanging at her home in Helston, Cornwall, on Feb 1 2007. She was declared dead early the following day – her 31st birthday.
Her suicide note read: “I told everyone I didn’t want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies: they need me, no-one else does.”
She saw her GP before the termination, but missed an appointment at a hospital in Penzance. She then cancelled, but later turned up to an appointment at a clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske. The counsellor was on holiday so a doctor referred Miss Beck to a pregnancy counselling telephone service eight days before carrying out the abortion when she was eight weeks pregnant, the inquest heard.
“I am satisfied that everything was done to make sure that Emma consented to the operation.
She added: “We have since appointed more counsellors so there is more holiday cover.”
Katie Gibbs, Miss Beck’s GP, told the hearing: “She was extremely distressed by the abortion procedure, and I didn’t think she ever came to terms with it.
“She had a long history of anxiety and depression. Despite my best efforts, she was not willing to see a counsellor after the termination.”
Her boss at the clinic, said: “The time that can be given to a woman by a counsellor is limited in a busy hospital.
“I am satisfied everything was done to make sure Emma was consenting to surgery. I don’t feel there was any gap in the counselling service.
Recording a verdict of suicide, Dr Carlyon said: “It is clear that a termination can have a profound effect on a woman’s life.
On-demand abortion, over-extended medical system, bureaucratic blame shifting–a recipe for disaster. There is so much that is revealed by the comments of those who were responsible for Ms. Beck’s choices both before and after the termination of the pregnancy. How devastated she must have been when she realized that sometimes in life there are no do-overs. When in doubt, err on the side of life.
My deepest condolences to Emma Beck’s family.
