The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García announced that his wife, Dr. Nelva Ismaray Ortega, is pregnant and that, therefore, he will be a father again.
In a Facebook live stream, the Cuban opposition figure expressed his enthusiasm, although he warned that the pregnancy poses a “serious risk” due to recent symptoms that required medical attention and instructions for complete rest.
According to Ortega, he went to the hospital after experiencing lower abdominal pain and bleeding, following several days of discomfort that intensified after physical exertion related to caring for Ferrer's mother, who is bedridden with a broken leg.
Ortega explained that, based on the date of her last menstruation and a positive pregnancy test, she would be approximately 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant.
At the medical center, they took his vital signs, performed blood tests, collected a urine sample, and administered IV fluids while he awaited an ultrasound to determine what was happening.
Later, Ferrer reported that, after several hours, his wife was discharged from medical care, she was advised to rest completely, given medication, and instructed to return to the hospital in 48 hours for a reevaluation.
In her message, she confirmed the good news of the pregnancy but insisted that there is a "very serious risk" due to recent physical exertion.
Ferrer thanked those who were concerned and prayed for the health of his wife and mother, and mentioned his son Daniel José, stating that “he might have a little sister or a little brother.”
A love story that grows
Doctor Nelva Ismaray Ortega and the opposition leader have strengthened their relationship amid political persecution, hunger strikes, community work, and exile.
According to what was shared in an interview for the YouTube channel of Cao, the ethical coincidence and the work with vulnerable families brought them together in Santiago de Cuba.
In its early days, they maintained a discreet connection, until —as reported— State Security tried to co-opt Nelva, prohibited her from participating in meetings, and warned her “not to get emotionally involved” with Ferrer.
As the connection persisted, the "total war" against her resulted in her exit from public health. In episodes of hunger strike linked to Ferrer and activists, Nelva asserts that she acted as a doctor out of professional responsibility.
Already in the United States, both describe the excitement of receiving spontaneous support in the street and the relief of watching their child grow up with rights.
The couple states that their story is, at once, personal and political: an emotional commitment that was forged by caring for the sick, dismantling prejudices, and resisting pressures.
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