BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX)— For years, Kern County has been known for having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in California. In 2019, the family of Demi Dominguez suffered two unimaginable losses that have since fueled their mission to improve maternity care across the county.
Demi Dominguez, 23, visited Mercy Hospital Southwest with swelling and high blood pressure. Her family said Dr. Arthur Park was dismissive, prescribing blood pressure medication before sending her home. During a follow-up with her primary OB-GYN, Dr. Hans Yu, her high blood pressure persisted, but she was again sent home with instructions to continue the medication.
“We were almost at the end of our pregnancy together,” said Xavier De Leon, Demi’s boyfriend. “Without getting too much into it, stuff kind of slipped through the cracks and he didn’t catch things that he should’ve caught.”…