Brain-Dead Va. Woman Gives Birth

Jason Torres was certain that his wife, who had refused tests to detect birth defects, would have wanted to try. Susan Torres's parents agreed. And so, they began their vigil.

Jason Torres quit his job and began sleeping at his wife's side as a team of doctors monitored her temperature, blood pressure and the delicate chemistry of her body. Jason talked to her, and he talked to the baby, Justin Torres said. Susan's parents visited her, hugged her and kissed her. Her mother gave her French tip manicures.

And Susan Torres's belly kept growing.

Sonograms -- at first once a week or so and finally once a day -- showed the baby was healthy, even feisty, and where she was developmentally.

Last month, the crucial 24th week -- the earliest doctors believe a fetus can survive outside the womb -- came and went. A room next to Susan's was cleared out and readied for an emergency delivery. Doctors became increasingly concerned about infection and began limiting physical contact and family visits.

Jason Torres, whose insurance will cover only part of the medical costs, decided to go public with the story to avert bankruptcy -- which it appears he has done, his brother said.

He has talked to newspapers in Australia and Canada and sat under the hot lights of "Larry King Live." The bill has already exceeded $1 million. More than $400,000 has been raised, from bake sales and basketball tournaments and happy hour benefits.

As the story of Susan Torres spread, hopeful checks came from Ireland and England, from an Alabama convent, from a soldier in Baghdad. Someone from Japan sent a box of cash, betting for a medical miracle, which, in a way, yesterday was.

There have been only 12 documented cases like it since the 1970s. Now there are 13.

Staff writer Leef Smith contributed to this report.