Brink of Life

Cecilia Ellius is brought into the emergency ward after she starts hemorrhaging only three months into her pregnancy. She suffers a miscarriage and is brought into Room E, in which two expectantmothers, Stina and Hjördis, are already installed. Stina is strong and healthy, but her baby is overdue. Hjördis is expecting an illegitimate child and has attempted an abortion. As night comes, Stina's labour begins. But something goes wrong, and the baby is still- born. Hjördis is told she can leave the hospital. She phones her parents, confesses everything, and decides she now wants her child. Cecilia promises her sister-in-law that she will discuss matters with her husband, who did not want the child.