Obstetrician suspended after pregnant woman commits suicide

Li Ruiqin, the obstetrician in charge of treating a pregnant woman who jumped off a hospital building during childbirth in Yulin, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has been suspended from work to cooperate with ongoing police investigations, China Central Television reported.

The First Hospital of Yulin said the local health authority, the deceased woman's family and the hospital were cooperating with police investigations and would release the results as soon as possible.

On August 30, a 26-year-old woman surnamed Ma arrived at hospital 42 weeks pregnant, the hospital said in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to Chinese media reports, Ma's request for a C-section was denied despite her experiencing severe pain during labor. Ma and her unborn child died after she jumped from the fifth floor of the hospital building on August 31.

The hospital and Ma's family blamed each other for the rejection of a C-section, and clashed over what led to her death. The hospital said her family members did not give consent for a C-section, while her family said the hospital rejected their requests.

In the latest development, the National Health and Family Planning Commission said it expressed deep condolences to the family of the woman and also demanded a thorough investigation into the tragedy. Those found responsible will be treated strictly according to laws and regulations.style="font-size:12pt;"