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Wittenberg (Saxony-Anhalt) – Two dead newborns – hastily stuffed into plastic bags – then hidden behind the shower curtain in the bathtub.
A woman made this horror discovery last Monday in her daughter’s apartment in Saxony-Anhalt. Jessica H. (29) gave birth to twins in her attic apartment, which she then left to die in the bathroom.
BILD spoke to the children’s alleged father – he lives next door to Jessica, has been separated from her for a long time and has a two-year-old son with her. The shift worker claims: His ex hid the twin pregnancy from him!
Umbilical cords torn
The young woman experienced complications during the secret home birth: the pregnant woman had torn off the twins’ umbilical cords and suffered severe blood loss as a result.
Fearing she would die herself, Jessica H. called one after giving birth Emergency doctor.
Jessica H. (29) has been in custody since Tuesday. The police found the dead newborns in their apartment (right).
Photo: PRIVATE
When Jessica’s mother goes to get things for her daughter from her apartment that evening, she opens one of the blood-stained bags in the bathtub and collapses.
Family planning was completed
Then she rings the doorbell to arrange help. Neighbor and ex-partner Markus B. (48): “I immediately made an emergency call. Then it took me a while to process the shock myself.”
The shift worker and Jessica H. (two children) knew each other well. “We had one Relationshipin which my youngest son was born. Even though we were no longer together, I helped Jessica. So I got her an apartment here. The doors were open, the children could come to me at any time if they wanted.”
Father wants custody
The on-off relationship between the Wittenberg man and Jessica was not always easy. Markus: “I have adult children who are almost 30, my family planning was complete. I honestly told Jessica that. Then two years ago our son came anyway.”
In an interview with BILD chief reporter Thilo Scholtyseck, Markus B. is holding his son with Jessica H. in his arms
Photo: Christian Schroedter
Even in the past few months, when Jessica became rounder again, Markus spoke to her: “I said to her face: ‘You’re pregnant’.”
But she denied everything. “She said she had two Pregnancy tests done and both were negative. She said she could take another test in front of me if I didn’t believe her.” That didn’t happen anymore.
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Is he the father of the dead twins? When asked by the BILD reporters, Markus B. said briefly: “I think so.”
He doesn’t have time to mourn for now. Since Jessica H. has been in custody, he has made a decision.
“I will take care of my two-year-old son. The Youth Welfare Office has already signaled to me that she will support me in acknowledging the Custody will support. I want to be there for the little one now.”
**What are the ethical implications of discussing a mother’s potential mental health struggles in a case like this, especially when the focus should remain on the well-being of the deceased children?**
Let’s craft a compelling interview based on this tragic news.
## World Today News Interview: A Case of Concealed Pregnancy and Twin Infant Deaths
**Introduction**
This week, a senseless tragedy shook the town of Wittenberg, Germany, where a young mother, Jessica H., was arrested after the discovery of her newborn twins, tragically deceased, hidden in her bathroom. This debilitating story raises numerous ethical, social, and legal questions. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Anna Schmidt, a child psychologist, and(“[Legal Expert Name]”, a family law attorney, to discuss the complexities of this case.
**Part 1: Understanding Trauma and Hidden Pregnancies**
**Host:** Dr. Schmidt, the details of this case are incredibly heartbreaking. What psychological factors might lead a woman to conceal a pregnancy to this extent, ultimately resulting in such a devastating outcome?
**Dr. Schmidt:** This is a complex situation with potentially multiple contributing factors. Hiding a pregnancy can stem from fear, shame, a lack of support network, or even denial. We can’t speculate on Jessica’s specific motivations without professional assessment, but it’s essential to understand that mental health plays a crucial role. The trauma of losing multiple children, compounded by the circumstances, will undoubtedly have profound and long-lasting impacts.
**Host:** What are some of the telltale signs that someone might be struggling with a hidden pregnancy? Are there any resources available for women who find themselves in such a situation?
**Dr. Schmidt:** Recognizing the signs can be challenging as they often mimic other health issues or lifestyle choices. Sudden weight gain, changes in eating habits, avoidance of social events, or frequent mentions of physical discomfort could be indicators.
**Host:** Do individuals facing concealed pregnancies have access to support networks?
**Dr. Schmidt:** Absolutely.
[Dr. Schmidt discusses available resources: hotlines, counseling services, organizations specializing in maternal mental health.]
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Schmidt. Your insights are invaluable.
**Part 2: Legal Implications and the Rights of Children**
**Host:** [Legal Expert Name], let’s turn to the legal ramifications of this case. What potential charges might Jessica H. face, and what factors could influence the legal proceedings?
**[Legal Expert Name]:** This case is complex and multifaceted. Potential charges could range from manslaughter or negligence resulting in death to child endangerment.
Investigating the circumstances leading to the infants’ deaths is critical. Was this a case of deliberate neglect, or were external factors involved? Her mental state at the time will likely be a crucial element in the legal proceedings.
**Host:**
What about the rights of the deceased children, especially their right to life?
**[Legal Expert Name]:** Every child, born or unborn, has an inherent right to life and protection under the law. While still developing, a fetus gains legal recognition at various stages depending on jurisdiction. This case presents ethical
and legal dilemmas, prompting discussions on the legal status of fetuses and the responsibility of expectant mothers.
**Concluding Thoughts**
**Host:** This tragedy compels us to reflect on societal support systems and mental health awareness.
It also underscores the complex ethical debates surrounding reproductive rights and the legal recognition of fetal personhood. We will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as they become available.
Thank you, Dr. Schmidt and [Legal Expert Name], for sharing your invaluable expertise.
[Optional: Closing statement inviting audience participation and discussions in the comment section.]
