It wasn’t every day that prisoners were brought to the small maternity ward, but this particular case was unexpected. The woman wasn’t even supposed to be there; she had gone into labor while being transported to a specialized women’s prison.
Dr. Barbara Gibbs had just begun what she thought would be a peaceful shift. All her patients had already delivered, and she was looking forward to a quiet cup of tea. But suddenly, word came from the emergency room.
“They’ve brought in a prisoner! So much for an easy shift!” the nurse called out.
Dr. Gibbs headed downstairs, only to find the laboring woman lying half-reclined on a couch, quietly groaning with pain, surrounded by guards and a duty nurse.
“Get her up for sanitation,” Dr. Gibbs instructed after a quick examination, signaling to the orderlies.
The woman was lifted onto a gurney and wheeled away, but the guards began to follow. Dr. Gibbs, surprised, asked, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“You can’t enter the maternity ward. We have special protocols,” one of the guards replied.
“We have our own protocols,” snapped Dr. Gibbs. “We need to maintain order in here. I will decide who enters and who doesn’t.”
The guard tried to push back, “She’s a prisoner. We’ve provided all the documentation.”
Dr. Gibbs stood her ground. “I understand perfectly. But right now, she’s a woman in labor. The birth of her child is the priority.”
«What if she escapes?» one of the guards asked.
“Are you serious?” Dr. Gibbs retorted. “She’s six centimeters dilated. The only thing you need to worry about right now is helping her give birth.”
The guard insisted, «If we can’t be present during the birth, she must be handcuffed.»
«Fine,» Dr. Gibbs sighed, «Let them chain her. But I’m in charge here.»
Once they entered the delivery room, the guards secured her wrist to the bed with cuffs.
«Now leave,» Dr. Gibbs commanded firmly. The guards left, muttering as they walked toward the emergency room.
As the door closed, young pediatrician Sarah Greer smiled at Dr. Gibbs. “You really showed them who’s in charge.”
Dr. Gibbs just muttered, “I don’t need their interference here,” as she turned to the woman in labor. Her tone softened as she spoke, “Let’s focus, my dear. What’s your name?”
“Mia,” the prisoner answered, her voice filled with pain.
“Mia,” Dr. Gibbs repeated gently. She looked at the young woman, who was no older than twenty, handcuffed and in labor. Despite her circumstances, the girl was focused on the task at hand.
“What has she done?” Dr. Gibbs couldn’t help but wonder as she carefully guided the labor. Mia was a woman, a mother-to-be, and right now that’s all that mattered.
As Dr. Gibbs continued to assist her, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for this young woman and her child. What had led Mia to this moment, and what lay ahead for them both?
Brushing away her concerns, Dr. Gibbs focused on the job at hand. She spoke calmly and confidently, offering encouragement and support to Mia throughout her labor. Her calm voice and reassuring presence helped Mia endure the pain, and the women under Dr. Gibbs’s care always felt lucky to have her expertise.
Dr. Gibbs had been working in this maternity ward for over twenty years, ever since she left the city to return to her roots and work as a midwife. She didn’t need medals or recognition—her dedication and skill spoke for themselves. She was highly regarded, known for her gentle care and successful deliveries.
But there was a part of Dr. Gibbs’s past that very few people knew about. Thirty years ago, she had married Taylor, a man who seemed perfect at the time. They had a daughter, also named Mia, and life seemed idyllic. Taylor was building his business, and their family lived comfortably, wanting for nothing.
But over time, money began to change him. He became distant and cold. His once affectionate nature turned harsh, and soon, Barbara found herself in an abusive marriage. Taylor would come home late, often angry, and one day, she saw him with another woman. He was walking through the city, kissing a striking blonde. When Barbara confronted him, Taylor showed no shame. Instead, he smirked and told her, “What are you looking at? Go home and watch our daughter.”
Barbara felt numb, unable to even speak. She turned away, tears flooding her eyes, feeling the weight of betrayal and the loss of the man she had once loved.