An autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death of a 28-year-old woman from southern Israel, who last week gave birth to a son in Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. The birth was uneventful and both mother and son were reported in good condition.

The new mom was discharged without incident, but was brought in on Friday, five days after birth, in an unconscious state. Despite resuscitation efforts, physicians were compelled to pronounce her dead a short time later.

The family agreed to an autopsy and together with hospital officials, await the findings of the medical examiner. Officials in Abu Kabir Forensic Institute indicated on Monday that while a definitive cause of death has not yet been established, it appears the death was the result of a rare chain of events and not the fault of the hospital or medical team.

Health Ministry officials confirm it was the 6th post-delivery death this year, but add that statistically speaking, it is low, pointing out in 2008, there were 10 post-delivery deaths.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)