Prosecutors Launch Criminal Case After 19-Day-Old Infant Dies in Cherkasy.

Tragedy Strikes in Cherkasy

According to TSN.ua: A newborn infant has died at the Cherkasy Regional Perinatal Center, having lived for only 19 days. The child's parents, Alina and Vasyl Dovbnia, have filed a complaint with police, requesting a full investigation into the cause of death. The baby's condition was initially normal but later deteriorated. The infant had received vaccinations for Hepatitis B and an injection of Vitamin K. According to the parents, the child's blood oxygen saturation level was recorded at 92%.

Circumstances of the Death

The official medical death certificate lists the primary cause as multiple organ failure resulting from bacterial sepsis. Alina Dovbnia gave birth to the child via cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation. Her husband, Vasyl Dovbnia, stated that everything seemed fine at first:

“Everything went wonderfully, the baby was completely fine,” - Vasyl Dovbnia

However, the father reported that complications later arose:

“You can see for yourself, she cannot breathe on her own. Something happened that disrupted the blood circulation,” - Vasyl Dovbnia

In response, the Cherkasy District Prosecutor's Office, headed by Ihor Chmykhal, has initiated a criminal case. The proceedings are registered under Part 2 of Article 140 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which carries a potential penalty of up to three years in prison and a ban from holding certain professional positions. The family is demanding answers to understand the reasons behind the tragedy that has devastated their lives.

This incident in Cherkasy has drawn attention to broader concerns about neonatal care standards in Ukrainian perinatal centers and the accountability of medical staff when a newborn's health declines suddenly. Such cases are closely watched as they can highlight systemic issues in healthcare. The opening of a criminal investigation may lead to a detailed examination of the circumstances and ensure legal accountability if medical negligence is found. The grieving parents hope the process will deliver both justice and a clear explanation for their child's death.