"Waiting in Araf" research without consent: a Turkish mother's experience

In this article, a nurse author from Turkey relates the anxiety and struggle that she experienced with the birth of her first baby when, for unknown reasons, the baby experienced acute rectal bleeding after birth. Unsatisfactory doctor-patient relations, abolishment of patient rights, suspicion of research without permission, and clinical iatrogenesis are discussed. The mother describes the 10 days she spent with her child in the hospital as "waiting in Araf." According to Middle Eastern culture, "Araf" is defined in the Koran as a place between Eden and Hell where people who have sinned are required to wait. Though anticipating acceptance into Eden, they wait with fear as they watch Hell on one side, and with hope while watching the happiness of Eden on the other side. The author's story depicts such an experience.