In a heart-wrenching situation, a new mother has alleged that a children’s hospital denied her access to her surviving conjoined twin, igniting a controversy over patient rights and hospital policies. On August 26, Jessica Thompson endured an unimaginable experience when she welcomed her two conjoined daughters, knowing one would likely not survive. Initially, Jessica expressed gratitude for the care provided by Children’s Hospital Colorado, but her perspective shifted dramatically after she raised concerns about her daughter’s treatment.
According to reports, Jessica gave birth via C-section to her daughters, Lily and Grace. Tragically, Grace passed away during the separation surgery, a decision that doctors believed was essential for Lily’s chance at survival. Following the surgery, Lily remained in critical condition.
In December, Jessica voiced her worries on a fundraising page about what she felt was a problematic procedure that had impacted her daughter’s care. “I was terrified and felt like everything was going wrong because it was,” she shared. Jessica described a distressing moment when her daughter was bleeding heavily, and she felt ignored by the medical staff.
When she expressed her concerns about the delay in surgical intervention, Jessica claimed that the charge nurse responded defensively and rudely. After filing a complaint with the Joint Commission and state health authorities regarding the incident, Jessica reported that the hospital restricted her visiting hours to just two hours a day. She alleged that this action was taken because the nursing staff felt uncomfortable working with her, fearing potential legal repercussions. Forcing a mother away from her critically ill newborn is not only unfair but also morally questionable.
The situation escalated when Jessica indicated her desire to transfer Lily to Boston Children’s Hospital for a second opinion—an institution renowned for treating her daughter’s specific medical issues. Shortly thereafter, she was reportedly banned from visiting Lily altogether, with the hospital citing a violation of a “behavior contract.”
“How is wanting to discuss my daughter’s transfer a breach of this supposed contract?” Jessica questioned. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone. My daughter is the one suffering because of this.” Although Children’s Hospital Colorado has stated that they cannot comment on specific cases due to privacy laws, they claim that their decisions are based solely on clinical needs and the best interests of their patients and families.
After news of Jessica’s situation spread, her visiting privileges were reinstated, and she continues to pursue the transfer of her daughter to Boston.
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Summary
Jessica Thompson, a mother of conjoined twins, claims that Children’s Hospital Colorado barred her from visiting her surviving daughter, Lily, after she raised concerns about her care and expressed interest in transferring her to another hospital. The hospital has stated that their actions were not retaliatory, but Jessica argues that the restrictions are unjust and harmful to her critically ill newborn.