The Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.)68-3-102(9) defines 'live birth' as "...the complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of human conception, irrespective of the duration of the pregnancy, that, after such expulsion or extraction, breathes or shows any other evidence of life, such as beating of the heart, pulsation of the umbilical cord, or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord has been cut or the placenta is attached."
In 2005 this last line was added...
"Heartbeats shall be distinguished from transient cardiac contraction, and respirations shall be distinguished from fleeting respiratory efforts or gasps..."
Because of the added line, my doctor had no choice but to determine Wyatt as being still born because he was dying as soon as he was born. THIS NEEDS TO BE AMENDED!
Because of this line, my doctor was not ABLE to medically acknowledge my son's attempt to breathe. (In her defense, she personally acknowledges he did live, and had jumped through hoops to try and help me)
How many other mothers have had to go through this?
To be honest with you, I really am not sure where to go from here. If you have any suggestions or ideas, my door is open. Getting a state regulation amended was never something I thought I'd be asked to do... The road in front of me is overwhelming and, well, scary. But...
I will fight this.
I will get a birth certificate for my son.
I'm not naive, I know this will be a long road...
It will probably be years before I get a birth certificate in my hands. But I know in my heart of hearts, that day will come.
I've stated before that "I knew there was more to Wyatt's life than we've seen", and I'm starting to believe this is the part we haven't seen yet...
Wyatt accomplished his greatest feat... now it's my turn.
Through God's miracle and Wyatt's fighting spirit, a new path has been set before me. It's a path that will no doubt bring frustration along with the unknowing, but it's another path I HAVE to take.
So buckle your seat belts, I have a feeling this will be a LONG and bumpy ride!
10 comments:
That is awesome Danielle - I will pray for you in this new journey you are taking. It will all be worth it in the end!
Contact your local congressperson, your state senator, your governor, lt. governor, anyone else you can think of. Send a letter per week until someone wants to listen. That is ridiculous that one sentence can cause this to happen. If I lived in TN, I would surely help. I truely believe God want's you to be the voice for Wyatt and all the other babies and mothers that this has happened to.
You have my full support.
Hugs,
Trisha
I will be there standing right behind you if need be. What a wonderful Mother you are. Take care and God Bless.
You probably have already done this, but what about contacting your local state rep? Just flood his/her inbox with the same request, until they have to respond. Maybe getting a petition in circulation might be a good idea too. Get as many mothers as you can that you know who have had "still born" children. It's very likely the government is robbing them of their right to their child's birth certificate. Prayers**
I am prepared to help if I can. signing any petitions or making any calls of support. Just let me know! I am just past the TN state line in AL so I am familiar with your Reps as well. I am signing up for the Long Road trip. You are NOt alone in this!
I will be watching and praying for you on your road of getting your precious Wyatt the recognition that he earned and desearves! Write you local senator, write the govenor, write anyone and everyone who has the power to change this. If that doesnt work start a petition. Let them know that the people that vote to put them in their jobs want this amended and can just as easily vote a new more helpful polition into office. We elect out leaders, they should be working for us and our voices, not the other way around.
That line is a piece of crap and whoever put that in there is a moron. Darn straight it needs amended!! Perhaps contact your state representative or senator and see if you can get the ball rolling with one of them? You could share your story with them and what you would like to accomplish.
I wish I knew where to begin. But, I am here if you need me.
UNBELIEVEABLE!!! I have a friend (also an angel mommy) who lives in TN and if you need any signatures or thing like that I KNOW that she would help you!!! I live in MI and we JUST got a stillbirth certificate (My son was actually stillborn) and I HATE it!!! I found your blog through someone else's and will be checking in- I hope that make some progress on this one!
Thinking of you!
Laura D.
Post a Comment