Family's Grief Turns to Confusion: Newborn Declared Girl Dies, Found to be Boy at Burial

Santa Cruz, Bolivia – A family in Santa Cruz is grappling with profound grief and confusion after a newborn, initially identified as a girl, was discovered to be a boy following its death shortly after birth. The incident, which occurred at a local maternity hospital, has prompted an official investigation. Jardel Ramos, the distraught father, recounted the harrowing experience. "They told us it was a girl and she had complications, then she died. But when we went to prepare her for burial, we found out it was a boy," Ramos stated, expressing his family's profound shock and demand for accountability. The family had undergone prenatal check-ups, including four ultrasounds, none of which definitively revealed the baby's sex. In response, Dr. Mario Herbas, director of the maternity hospital, denied any baby swap. He attributed the gender discrepancy to a "transcription error" on the death certificate, stating that the baby was indeed a boy. Dr. Herbas explained that the infant arrived from Cotoca with complications, including a breech presentation, and required immediate medical attention, which led to a complicated birth. He admitted that due to the emergency, standard protocols, such as placing identification bracelets immediately, might have been overlooked. Authorities from the Departmental Health Service (SEDES) have launched a multidisciplinary investigation into the case. A DNA test has been requested for the deceased infant and the parents to confirm biological relations and is expected to yield results by Saturday. SEDES officials emphasize their commitment to uncovering the full truth and ensuring transparency for the affected family and the public.