13-Year-Old Girl Gives Birth Mid-Air in Remarkable Delivery
- Chipo Basira
- 23 Jun, 2025
13-Year-Old Girl Gives Birth Mid-Air in Remarkable Delivery
A 13-year-old girl from Matabeleland South Province gave birth to a baby boy mid-flight while being airlifted from Maphisa Hospital to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) last week.
The extraordinary delivery was performed by Dr. Marshall Kahari and intensive coronary care nurse Kelelo Maphala from Helidrive National Air Rescue Service.
The girl, whose identity has been withheld due to her age, was experiencing intense labor pains and was 5 cm dilated when the air rescue crew collected her.
The baby was in a breech position, and the medical team decided to deliver the baby mid-air due to the urgency of the situation.
Dr. Kahari described the moment: "After another strong contraction, we noticed her reaching between her thighs, and realised something had emerged.
Upon examination, I saw the baby's right leg was out — it was a footling breech."
Despite the challenges, the medical team successfully delivered the baby, and both mother and child are reported to be in stable condition.
The baby was placed in a resuscitaire for assessment by a pediatrician, while the mother received treatment and was discharged the next day.
The incident has raised serious concerns about statutory rape and child abuse, with many calling for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the girl's pregnancy.
Under Zimbabwean law, any sexual activity with a person under 18 is considered statutory rape, even with consent. Child rights advocates are urging law enforcement and child protection agencies to act swiftly to address the issue of child sexual abuse in Zimbabwe's rural areas .
Helidrive's air ambulance service played a critical role in responding to the emergency, highlighting the importance of accessible medical services in remote areas.
The service has a team of experienced medical professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, enabling them to provide intensive care-level services during flights .
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