Patient’s push for mandatory pregnancy tests after horror hospital experience

A person who transitioned from female to male and lost their baby when undergoing a hysterectomy in 2021 has spoken out about the horrific experience in the hope it’ll prevent others from enduring the same tragedy.

Jesse Pohlner was unaware he was pregnant when having surgery, and the 38-year-old says the Royal Women’s Hospital failed do a pregnancy test before his operation.

“I would call it hospital negligence. Their policy was to blame,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear the horrific story

Mr Pohlner is calling for statewide mandatory hCG blood testing prior to surgeries.

In a statement, the Royal Women’s Hospital confirmed its pre-op pregnancy test procedure was changed last year.

“The previous procedure involved asking patients about any recent menstrual or sexual activity. The new procedure involves a blood test to exclude pregnancy,” the statement read.

A Victorian Government spokesperson also released a statement regarding the matter:

“We are sorry to hear of this patient’s experience and understand a range of supports were offered to the patient at the time of this incident.

“Hearing firsthand from patients about their experience is critical and we welcome any and all feedback so we can continue to work on how we can serve Victorians best.”