Woman died after blood 'refusal'

A mother who died after giving birth in hospital would have had a much higher chance of survival if she had accepted a blood transfusion, an inquest heard.

Emma Gough, 22, of Telford, Shropshire, who was a Jehovah's Witness, died after giving birth to twins at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, the inquest heard.

She would not have a transfusion because of her religious beliefs.

Coroner John Ellery said the inquest was about how and why she died and was not an exploration of her faith.

Back into theatre

Dr Nick Reed, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, said he believed "without a shadow of doubt" she would have survived, had she had a transfusion.

Mrs Gough had discussed with her GP and her consultant the fact she was a Jehovah's Witness and she did not want a transfusion, the inquest heard.

She had been told what the consequences could be if there were any possible complications.

A boy and girl were delivered safely in October last year, but Mrs Gough developed a complication.

She lost a lot of blood, had to go back into theatre and came out of theatre, but her condition worsened.

Throughout the process Mrs Gough and her family were told that a transfusion could save her life.

But because of their religious beliefs, they refused and this led to her death, the inquest heard.

The coroner is expected to record his verdict later in the week.