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EMT Charged In Wake Of Pregnant Woman's Death

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- A New York City emergency medical technician surrendered Tuesday to face charges for failing to help a pregnant woman who later died.

It had been hanging over her head for 10 months. On Tuesday the charge came down.

Melisa Jackson. 23, an FDNY EMT has been accused of official misconduct for failing to aid 25-year-old Eutisha Rennix -- a pregnant woman who collapsed at a coffee shop while Jackson and her EMT boyfriend were taking a break, reports CBS 2's Tony Aiello.

"Melisa Jackson is the only person that morning who bears no responsibility and yet she stands here before you," attorney Ben Heinrich said. "It's a shame, a shame on the system."

Heinrich said Jackson at least called 911, while others, including Rennix's boyfriend, did nothing.

A lawyer for the Rennix family said that's a poor excuse.

"The father of the baby is not a trained a trained emergency medical technician and doesn't have a duty, as she did, which she failed to do, which was to provide aid to someone in need," Sanford Rubenstein said.

"She failed to perform her duty and I think it was a very inhumane act. You know, no feelings for someone who cried for help," the victim's mother said.

The dead woman's mother also said the charge against Jackson is some measure of comfort but it doesn't bring her daughter back.

Rennix had a young son who now lives with his grandmother.

The family is suing the city, Jackson's employer.

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