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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsRobert Kennedy son acquitted of child endangerment charges
Source: Reuters
By Chris Francescani
NEW YORK | Tue Nov 20, 2012 5:19pm EST
(Reuters) - Douglas Kennedy, a son of slain Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was acquitted on Tuesday of child endangerment and harassment charges related to a confrontation with two nurses who tried to stop him from leaving the maternity ward with his newborn son.
Two maternity ward nurses physically tried to block Kennedy from taking his boy outside for some fresh air, which led to a confrontation in which Kennedy lost his balance and fell, according to a judge's ruling. The baby was uninjured in the fall.
Kennedy's actions in the January 7 incident violated the Westchester, New York, hospital's policy, Mount Kisco Town Justice John J. Donohue said in a 10-page ruling on the misdemeanor charges, but did not rise to the level of criminality.
"There was no evidence introduced ... that the mere act of taking his child outside the building would likely be injurious to the child's physical welfare," Donohue wrote in the ruling, which was faxed to the prosecution and defense teams on Tuesday.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/20/us-usa-newyork-kennedybaby-idUSBRE8AJ1I420121120
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)Hospitals have rules. Rules are for everyone, even a Kennedy. But, hospitals have become a little obsessive with babies, with some good reason. The nurses, though a little overzealous, were doing their jobs and trying to 'protect' the baby.
It sounds like Mr. Kennedy wanted to share a beautiful full moon evening with a new love in his life. His own son. That's not something I can criticize. In fact, it kinda made me choke up a bit.
Glad the boy wasn't hurt in the fall. That would have probably forced a different outcome in all this. Hope the family is doing well. Sounds like a little boy has a loving dad. That's a damned good start to life.
malaise
(267,823 posts)Overzealous does not describe these authoritarians.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)But, if you aren't going to be happy following hospital rules you should probably look into home birth. I'm going to give the nurses the benefit of the doubt and say that they weren't trying to hurt anyone. Protect their jobs? Absolutely. Protect the baby? Probably.
I think there was a ton and a half of misunderstanding, hurt feelings and bad attitudes. I doubt that any of it was intended.
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)Having been kept apart from my premature infant by nurses and hospital staff for no reason other than STUPID rules, I would never again submit to unreasonable, interfering regulations. I am the parent and the hospital can stuff their rules.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)I had just turned 18 and didn't find out until after I left the hospital how close I was to death. They were 'protecting' him, but it caused me an unbelievable amount of stress. The worst day was when a nurse mistakenly wheeled him into my room and another came running after to stop her. The first didn't realize that I wasn't supposed to be in direct contact. I bawled my eyes out. When they found me walking down the hall dragging the TWO IVs after me so I could at least look at him...they took the IVs off the wheeled poles and connected them directly to my bed and threatened to strap me in. I felt like a prisoner.
It was heartbreaking. I didn't understand it then and 30 years later, I still don't. I felt like they had no compassion whatsoever. That they were intentionally trying to hurt me. That's not true, obviously, but as a parent...well, you obviously know.
I would imagine their concern would be even greater for a premie. I'm not excusing the behavior, just trying to understand both sides.
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)In my case, they brought my daughter to see me in my hospital room. After I left the hospital I didn't hold her again until she released 3 weeks later. It was absolutely the longest, most heartbreaking three weeks of my life. And there was no reason for it except for authoritarian nurses. I hate them to this day.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)A friend of mine had a premie. She went through the same thing. It was horrible. The only thing that helped her was she had a 2 year old at home. I just remember her being completely wiped out emotionally and physically. I also remember when they finally told her she could bring her daughter home. She was a wreck. Excited, terrified, excited, exhausted, sobbing hysterically. Her daughter is 23 now and was worth every tear.
I can tell you that there is not enough money in the world to convince me to become a children's nurse. Especially in a children's ICU.
alcibiades_mystery
(36,437 posts)No offense, but I doubt that.
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)Last edited Wed Nov 21, 2012, 01:42 PM - Edit history (1)
Just remember you weren't there. The baby's health was never a concern. She was strong and healthy, but tiny. They only reason she was kept in hospital was to get her weight up to six pounds (hospital policy). Know the reason they gave to keep me away? I would tire her out.
It was bogus and it was personal.
malaise
(267,823 posts)gollygee
(22,336 posts)It is maddening that they have so many rules. It's like they act like it isn't your kid yet. It's bizarre. "No really. I'm her mom and I say it's OK." Doesn't fly there.
He probably shouldn't have pushed it, but OTOH they VERY MUCH shouldn't have created a physical confrontation over it. Mark in the file that he disobeyed hospital policy against the advice of the nurse and took the baby outside so he can't sue if something happens. But don't fight him while he's holding his baby.
joeybee12
(56,177 posts)have been trained to NEVER try to physically stop this...that's why there's security. Besides, he's the father, it's not like it was a kidnapping..he may have shown poor judgment, but the hospital is really wrong here.
Lex
(34,108 posts)with the father. That was stupid and could've turned out badly had the baby been injured.
pnwmom
(108,925 posts)Nice.