The family of 36-year-old Latoya Griffith is seeking answers after the tragic deaths of both Latoya and her newborn at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. The hospital has confirmed that a medical investigation is currently underway.
Region Six Regional Health Officer, Dr. Vineshri Khirodhar, stated that the matter is being taken seriously, and a formal review of the case is in progress to ascertain precisely what occurred.
According to Latoya’s family, she visited the New Amsterdam Public Hospital on Tuesday, November 18, where medical staff indicated that she needed to be admitted to deliver her baby. It was anticipated that she would give birth later that night or early Wednesday morning.
Latoya’s mother, Virginia Jonas, shared that she last saw her daughter alive during a visit on Thursday. Family members reported that Cytotec was administered to induce contractions, but after the first dose, there were no signs of dilation. A second dose was given, and it was only after a third dose that Latoya began to bleed heavily.
Despite medical staff’s significant efforts to save both mother and child on Thursday, unfortunately, neither survived. Virginia expressed her anguish, stating her belief that if a C-section was necessary, it should have been performed without inducing labor. “If you know you got to get cut, you don’t induce labour,” she lamented.
The family has not disclosed specific medical explanations for the deaths but is adamant about seeking accountability and clarity regarding what transpired. “I need justice for my daughter… She done dead and gone and she get kids behind. Who going to take care of them?” Jonas asked, tearfully reflecting on the future responsibilities left to her family.
The Regional Health Officer assured that more information will be shared once the investigation concludes. The family continues to mourn their loss, grappling with the impact of Latoya’s death on her three children and wider family circle.
