Recently, the Second Hospital of Baoding City in Hebei Province released a video in the obstetrics department, showing that a pregnant woman with the mental capacity of a three-year-old successfully gave birth after being soothed by watching “Peppa Pig.” This promotion has sparked controversy, with many netizens strongly questioning how an adult with the intellectual capacity of a three-year-old can obtain a marriage certificate, become pregnant, and consent to such actions.
On March 10, a netizen reported that the hospital’s obstetrics department in Baoding City had posted a video on social media depicting a woman with an intellectual level equivalent to that of a three-year-old experiencing emotional distress during childbirth due to contractions. The video showed that as general anesthesia was not an option for the pregnant woman, medical staff resorted to playing the “Peppa Pig” cartoon to calm her down, ultimately leading to a successful delivery with both mother and child safe.
The video and accompanying text generated widespread controversy online, with many questioning how a pregnant woman with the intelligence of a three-year-old could be legally married and conceive a child. Comments such as, “How does she understand the concept of marriage? How could she legally register for marriage in such a situation?” and “Was there a police report filed by the hospital?” raised concerns about the woman’s consent and possible instances of sexual assault.
The video has since been deleted, and the social media account of the obstetrics department at the Second Hospital of Baoding City now only allows comments from friends who are connected.
In response to the incident, the postpartum recovery department staff at the Second Hospital of Baoding City stated, “This individual is intellectually disabled, with an estimated mental capacity of only three years old. The pregnant woman surely had family members accompanying her and should have been discharged by now.”
The hospital’s administration office stated, “This matter involves patient privacy and cannot be further discussed.”
Reflecting on the situation, an editorial by Positive News argued that the pregnant woman having the mental capacity of a three-year-old raises significant concerns, especially since the hospital was aware of her condition. Adults with the intelligence of a three-year-old lack legal capacity to consent to actions, including engaging in sexual activities.
Before the controversy erupted online, the hospital involved seemed to be oblivious to these issues, rather than acknowledging them. Although the initial intention may have been positive, the hospital’s handling of the situation inadvertently exposed a lack of legal awareness and preparedness among the staff.
The editorial noted, “While the hospital promptly removed the video afterward, the public still requires clear official responses to many lingering questions. Legally speaking, hospitals are required to report cases of rights violations involving minors and incidents of domestic violence. While there is no immediate obligation to report cases involving adults lacking legal capacity, if there are evident signs of unlawful behavior, the hospital should report it promptly.”
Lawyer Fu Jian, Director of the Zhejin Law Firm in Henan, mentioned, “Legally, adults with the intellect of a three-year-old are considered incapable of legal capacity and lacking the ability to consent to sexual activities. However, intellectually disabled individuals have the right to reproduce, which cannot be prohibited by law. The decision to reproduce should be based on their physical health and the choice of the individual and their family.”