The death of Sha-Asia Washington occurred on July 3, 2020 at the Woodhull Medical Center while she was in childbirth. Her death sparked protests and raised awareness about Black maternal mortality in the United States.
Death
editSha-Asia Washington was a paraprofessional at a charter school in Brooklyn.[1] She went to Woodhull Medical Center on July 2, 2020 for a routine stress test.[1] Washington was a few days past her due date and her blood pressure was high.[1] The hospital administered Pitocin to induce uterine contractions.[2] Anesthesiologist Dmitry Anatolevich Shelchkov improperly administered an epidural.[2][3] Washington went into cardiac arrest at which point, the doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section.[1] After 45 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Washington was pronounced dead.[1]
Shelchkov lost his medical license in late 2021.[4]
Reactions
editWashington's death sparked protests at the medical center and brought attention to the wider issue of Black maternal mortality in the United States.[5]
New York state senators Julia Salazar and Gustavo Rivera co-sponsored bill S8729 that would require hospitals to release statistics related to childbirth complications, fetal loss, and maternity related injuries.[6]
In the fall of 2020, mural artist Danielle Mastrion painted a mural of Washington on Lewis Avenue in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.[7] A memorial garden for Washington was established in Bedford-Stuyvesant.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e Dickson, E. J. (2020-07-09). "Death of Sha-Asia Washington, Pregnant 26-Year-Old Black Woman, Highlights Devastating Trend". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ a b Aponte, Claudia Irizarry (2021-04-30). "Brooklyn Doctor Under Investigation in Sha-asia Washington's Death During Childbirth". The City. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ Edwards, Jessy (2021-07-05). "1 Year On: Legacy of Sha-Asia Semple Celebrated at Baby Khloe's Party". BK Reader. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ a b Goldstein, Joseph (2023-01-23). "A Deadly Epidural, Delivered by a Doctor With a History of Mistakes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ Christian, Tanya A. (November 4, 2020). "Protesters Emerge Outside Of Brooklyn Hospital After Black Mom Dies Giving Birth". Essence. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ Salazar, Julia (2020-07-15). "July 15 Update: Statement on Sha-Asia Washington's Passing and Maternal Morbidity". NY State Senate. Retrieved 2023-01-28.
- ^ Adams, Rose (2020-09-23). "Bed-Stuy mural honors Sha-Asia Semple, Black woman who died during childbirth". Brooklyn Paper. Retrieved 2023-01-28.