Newborn baby dies after being denied care at a public hospital in Puebla

MEXICO CITY (apro) — A newborn was transferred lifeless to the Tehuacán General Hospital in the early morning of July 5, 2025, after his mother, originally from the municipality of Tepanco de López, gave birth at home without medical assistance. Authorities confirmed that an investigation has already been opened to clarify the events and determine if there was any omission by health personnel.

The Puebla State Health Secretariat, in coordination with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS-Bienestar) , reported that the child's mother, a 37-year-old woman, went to the Tehuacán Women's and Neonatal Hospital after giving birth unexpectedly at home, assisted only by her sister. According to the official report, she was treated promptly and is currently in stable condition.

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The newborn was immediately transferred to Tehuacán General Hospital , where medical staff reported that he was no longer showing vital signs upon admission. After confirming the death, the Public Ministry was notified, which initiated an investigation to determine whether there was any liability or negligence.

Contrast between the official version and the family's complaint

In statements to local media, the child's relatives stated that the staff at the Women's Hospital refused to evaluate the baby, believing he wasn't born in that medical unit. "They closed the doors to us. They didn't want to examine my son because, according to them, he wasn't born there. They didn't evaluate him, they didn't touch him, they didn't do anything. By the time we took him to the General Hospital, it was too late," the father said.

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This version contrasts with the official information released by the state government, which maintains that the baby was born without vital signs at the family home. According to the statement , medical staff at the second hospital only confirmed the absence of vital signs upon receiving the baby and reported the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Ministry of Health confirms opening of investigation

In its July 5 statement, the Puebla government reported that the investigation will be led by the Public Prosecutor's Office , which will determine whether there was any omission or negligence in the medical care provided at the public hospitals involved. The state authority reiterated its commitment to legality and the prompt follow-up of all cases involving medical services.

Law prohibits denying care in emergency cases

According to the General Regulatory Law of the National Health System, no public hospital may refuse to provide medical care in emergencies . Article 83 of this law establishes financial penalties for those who fail to comply with this obligation:

Article 83

A.—For denying medical care to a person in an emergency situation, the person responsible will be subject to a fine of 10 to 15 times the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA).

B.—For hiring or allowing untrained personnel to work in the medical emergency and pre-hospitalization service, a fine of 16 to 20 times the UMA will be applied.

C.—For ignoring calls for help when you have the means to provide it, a fine of 21 to 25 times the UMA will be applied.

D.—For failure to renew the health authorization, permit, registration or control card for the operation of emergency medical services, a fine of 40 times the UMA will be imposed.

E.—For failure to heed the instructions of government authorities and emergency services institutes, civil protection, or armed forces in cases of disasters, a fine of 26 to 30 times the UMA will be imposed.

This regulation requires all health centers to prioritize the life of the patient, regardless of whether they are part of the system or have received previous care.

Ethical principles reinforce medical obligation

In addition to what is established by law, codes of ethics for health care personnel also reinforce the duty to provide medical care without administrative restrictions. For example, PEMEX's Ethical Principles of Medical Practice state that "denial of care is not permitted, particularly in emergency cases. Abandonment of patients is not acceptable."

For nursing staff, the Code of Ethics for Nursing establishes that immediate attention must be provided in critical situations, regardless of any institutional or procedural barriers.

The Public Ministry will investigate the case.

In accordance with protocol, the Tehuacán General Hospital immediately notified the ministerial authority after receiving the lifeless child. The Public Prosecutor's Office will determine whether or not there was medical negligence or any other conduct punishable by criminal or administrative means.

So far, the Ministry of Health has not reported whether the personnel involved have been temporarily suspended during the investigation.

The minor's family continues to await a clear official response, while the case remains under review by state authorities.