A tragic incident has claimed the life of a young judge in Brazil. Mariana Francisco Ferreira, a 34-year-old magistrate, passed away after suffering a severe hemorrhage during an egg retrieval procedure for in vitro fertilization at a clinic in Mogi das Cruzes, part of the Greater São Paulo area.
The procedure took place on a Monday morning. After being discharged from the clinic around 9 a.m., Mariana returned home but soon began experiencing intense pain and chills. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting her mother to bring her back to the clinic by 11 a.m. Medical staff there identified a vaginal hemorrhage and attempted initial treatment, including suturing to control the bleeding.
She was subsequently transferred to the Mogi Mater Hospital, arriving in the afternoon and being taken directly to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite undergoing surgery the following evening, her condition remained critical. In the early hours of Wednesday, she suffered two cardiorespiratory arrests. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and her death was confirmed at 6:03 a.m.
The Civil Police have registered the case as a suspicious and accidental death. Their investigation is focused on determining whether the fatality resulted from inherent medical complications of the procedure or from a potential failure in the care provided.
The clinic, Invitro Reprodução Assistida, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow. It stated that its medical team immediately implemented technical protocols from the first signs of complication and provided emergency care. The clinic emphasized that all surgical and medical procedures carry inherent risks and that it operates within all applicable technical and regulatory norms.
Mariana's mother shared that her daughter had chosen to freeze her eggs because she dreamed of becoming a mother in the future. She described the agonizing pain her daughter endured and recounted the moment they realized the bleeding was not a minor issue. Medical staff reportedly informed the family that an artery in the cervix had ruptured during the initial procedure.
Mariana Francisco Ferreira was a respected legal professional. Originally from Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, she had taken her oath as a judge in Rio Grande do Sul in December 2023, serving in the Criminal Court of Sapiranga. The Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul mourned her loss, noting her dedication and commitment, and declared three days of official mourning. The Association of Judges of Rio Grande do Sul (AJURIS) also expressed deep regret.
Based on reporting from g1.