Newborn circumcision complication has turned into a heartbreaking ordeal for a New York City family. Tim and Gabrielle Groth say their infant son, Cole, nearly bled to death following a routine circumcision at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. What was expected to be a standard medical procedure has now left their baby fighting for his life in the ICU.
What Caused This Newborn Circumcision Complication?
Cole Groth was born on March 31 with congenital heart disease, a condition that had already placed him in a vulnerable state. Despite his diagnosis, Cole’s family described him as “one of the healthiest babies on the floor” after a stent was placed in his heart. But everything changed after the circumcision performed on April 14.
According to the Groths’ statement on GoFundMe, Cole underwent the procedure late Sunday night. Within hours, the newborn circumcision complication triggered excessive bleeding.
Timeline of the Health Crisis
- April 14, 11 PM: Cole is circumcised.
- April 15, 2–9:30 AM: Cole experiences uncontrolled bleeding.
- April 15, Morning: His condition deteriorates rapidly.
- Emergency surgery is performed after discovering internal damage.
“He is crying like I’ve never heard before,” said Gabrielle Groth in an interview with WCBS. “It was not my healthy boy I saw just the day before.”
Parents Speak Out on the Newborn Circumcision Complication
Tim Groth described the horror of watching his son lose blood and oxygen for over 10 hours, resulting in damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain. During emergency surgery, doctors discovered that five segments of Cole’s intestines had died and turned black.
“They proceeded to cut out the dead intestines and identified several other areas in the intestines that might die,” Tim wrote in the family’s GoFundMe post. “Words can only touch the surface of the pain Cole, my wife, our family and I feel physically and emotionally from this.”
Where Is the Accountability?
The Groths are now asking urgent questions about how such a severe newborn circumcision complication could happen, especially in a cardiac NICU. Despite their demands, hospital officials have not commented publicly on the matter.
Tim Groth’s GoFundMe post reads:
“Could you imagine scheduling your son’s circumcision and possibly having him die?”
Cole remains in critical condition, undergoing daily transfusions and having endured at least four surgeries so far.
Resources & Links
- 📰 Read More About Circumcision Safety – American Academy of Pediatrics
- 💡 Understanding NICU Procedures
Final Thoughts This devastating newborn circumcision complication serves as a painful reminder of the risks associated with even seemingly routine medical procedures—especially in medically fragile infants. The Groths are now clinging to hope while demanding accountability, and their story has begun to gain national attention.