A widower led a demonstration at the Williamsbridge Oval Park in the Bronx after he says his wife, who was of both Black and Puerto Rican descent, died from alleged medical neglect at Montefiore Medical Center.
Amber Rose Isaac was 26 years old when she died during an emergency Cesarean section. Her son survived, but her own death is a familiar experience for many families of color nationwide.
Her husband Bruce McIntyre says she started feeling sick around when the coronavirus pandemic began in the city.
After testing negative twice for the virus and only being able to see doctors through telehealth, they felt their concerns were being ignored and decided to see a midwife instead.
They say according to the midwife, Isaac's platelet levels were low because she developed HELLP syndrome, which is a rare condition. Experts say it can be fatal if left untreated.
Statistics also show that women of color are more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women.
In response to Saturday’s march, Montefiore released a statement that reads: "Ninety-four percent of our deliveries are minority mothers, and Montefiore's maternal mortality rate of 0.01% is lower than both New York City and national averages. Any maternal death is a tragedy. Our hearts go out to Ms. Isaac's family, especially to her mother, our longtime colleague."
McIntyre created the Save a Rose Foundation to prevent more of these deaths in the future.
Isaac's son had to go to the NICU because he was born prematurely. His family says Elias is now a healthy 3-month-old baby.