Obstetrics Expert In Case of Newborn Abandonment

Obstetrics and gynecology expert Dr. Charles Simpson testified Wednesday in the case of April Dawn Halkett, 22, who is accused of abandoning her newborn in the bathroom at the Prince Albert Walmart two years ago.  Halkett said she thought the boy was dead following the surprising, sudden birth.  The expert said it is possible for a woman to give birth without knowing she was pregnant and that Halkett had what is known as a precipitous birth, meaning it took just minutes to deliver the baby. Cases of precipitous birth often send the baby into a state of shock, Simpson added, and the infant can appear dead.

Prosecutor Jennifer Claxton-Viczko questioned why Halkett would take three separate home pregnancy tests in the months leading up to the baby’s birth if she didn’t know she was pregnant. The last test was taken about two months before she gave birth.

Excerpted from TheVancouverSun.com.