Woman fighting for right to keep placenta has baby; disputed organ ‘chilling’ in fridge
A woman locked in a battle with a public hospital over the right to keep her placenta has given birth and says the disputed organ is now 'chilling' in a hospital fridge as she awaits a decision.
An American woman locked in a battle with a public hospital over the right to keep her placenta has given birth – and says the disputed organ is now “chilling” in a hospital fridge as she awaits a decision.
Melissa Grenham, 38, gave birth to a boy on Wednesday morning at the Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam.
The Queen Mary has promised not to destroy the placenta, the organ that delivers nutrients to the foetus. It can remain in a fridge for three days before it needs to be frozen.
“I’ve received approval from all the correct government departments. I’ve followed all the correct protocol, but I’m still in limbo,” Grenham said from her hospital bed.
“My little boy and I are doing well, snuggled up on the ward, but obviously I want a decision as soon as possible.”
The saga began in June when Grenham’s request to keep her placenta was rejected by the hospital on grounds of “public safety”.
She wants to carry out placenta encapsulation, a practice where the organ is converted into capsules for consumption. There is little scientific research on the subject of placentophagy, and few Hong Kong-based doctors and wellness experts are willing to talk about it.