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Robert F.Kennedy's son faces charges in maternity ward tussle

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NEW YORK | Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:23am EST

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Robert F. Kennedy's son is facing misdemeanor charges stemming from a confrontation with two nurses that occurred as he was trying to carry his 2-day-old baby out of the maternity ward at a suburban New York hospital, according to a local TV report.

Douglas Kennedy, 44, has been charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child following the January 7 incident at the Northern Westchester Hospital, according to WNBC-TV.

The clash occurred when nurses attempted to stop Kennedy from taking his newborn son out of maternity ward, saying he wasn't allowed to do so, according to the TV station, which cited a Mount Kisco, N.Y. police report.

An argument broke out and Kennedy eventually turned violent, twisting the arm of one nurse and kicking another in the pelvic area, WNBC-TV said.

Kennedy, a reporter for Fox News and the 10th child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy, disputed the accusations in a statement to the TV station.

A spokesman for the hospital confirmed that an incident occurred on January 7 on the maternity ward but declined to provide any details because of patient confidentiality.

Neither the Mount Kisco police nor an attorney for Kennedy could be immediately reached for comment.

(Reporting by Paul Thomasch)
U.S.
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Comments (5)
relawson wrote:
There are hospital rules for a reason – especially in the maternity ward. That behavior is reprehensible; those nurses did their jobs and should be recognized for putting their own safety on the line to protect a baby. It may have been his child, but they must follow protocol to prevent abduction.

Feb 25, 2012 10:54am EST  --  Report as abuse
Papaw wrote:
We must not forget this is a Kennedy. They are above the rules and conduct. To make matters worse he is a member of the media. Just one step below God. We mortals must understand this.

Feb 25, 2012 11:19am EST  --  Report as abuse
SweetSueOhio wrote:
Just who does he think he is?! Those nurses have responsible for the safety of ALL of those babies. That includes his. Just because his last name is Kennedy, and he was with an ER staff member, does not give him special privileges. He needs to held accountable, and so does the ER staff member.

Feb 25, 2012 12:52pm EST  --  Report as abuse
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