‘One of the healthiest babies on the floor’: A New York City child nearly dies after circumcision

Tim and Gabrielle Groth have alleged that their newborn son, Cole, has nearly died due to a botched circumcision procedure at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.

The boy’s parents claim that the hospital failed to adequately warn them of the risks associated with the procedure, especially given Cole’s pre-existing congenital heart condition, or CHD.

CHD can refer to several different structural problems in the heart that are present from birth. These defects can affect the walls of the heart, the valves, and the arteries and veins near the heart.

Cole underwent a successful stent placement

Cole was born on March 31 with congenital heart disease and underwent a successful stent placement. 

According to Tim Groth, “Cole was ‘one of the healthiest babies on the floor’ and was set to be discharged from the hospital.” However, after a routine circumcision on April 14, Cole’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to excessive bleeding. 

“We were called and asked if we wanted to move forward with circumcision, and we just said yes,” Tim told CBS News. “We weren’t aware of any of the risks. We didn’t really, no one told us that there were elevated risks for children with CHD.” 

Tim stated, “Throughout the night, for 10-plus hours, our son bled almost to death.” 

This led to damage to Cole’s liver, kidneys, and brain, necessitating emergency surgery. Doctors informed the Groths that Cole’s intestines had become necrotic and required removal. 

As of April 20, Cole remains in critical condition in the ICU, undergoing daily transfusions and multiple surgeries. 

Gabrielle recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “I walk in and he is extremely pale. He is crying like I’ve never heard before. It was not my healthy boy.”

The hospital declined to comment on the incident, citing patient privacy policies. ​

The Groths’ GoFundMe

The Groths have set up a GoFundMe page to raise awareness and funds for Cole’s ongoing medical care. 

Tim expressed their motivation: “We don’t want any other families or babies to experience the pain and heartbreak we are going through.”

This case highlights the potential risks associated with circumcision procedures, particularly in infants with underlying health conditions. 

Medical experts emphasize the importance of thorough risk assessment and informed consent before such procedures.​

Most circumcisions go smoothly, but complications can occur, especially in very young infants or in cases involving pre-existing conditions, such as Cole Groth. In rare but serious cases, like the one involving Tim and Gabrielle Groth’s infant son, complications can be life-threatening.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that the health benefits outweigh the risks, but not enough to recommend universal circumcision. The AAP supports parental choice based on medical, cultural, or religious beliefs.