In 2015, a woman in Wuhan aborted her twins to save her brother who was battling cancer. Her mother-in-law roared, "You aborted your five-month-old twins to save your brother! Do you want our family line to end?" The woman's voice trembled, "I didn't want to, but only I can save him!"
In Wuhan in 2015, 29-year-old Ke Xi, after six years of agonizing trying to conceive, finally became five months pregnant with twins. The baby movements were clearly visible. But before she could fully enjoy this joy, her brother, Ke Xu, was suddenly diagnosed with acute leukemia. She was the only one with a matching donor.
Ke Xi and her husband had been married for many years without being able to conceive. To have a child, she tried various treatments and endured unimaginable pressure.
The news of the twins' successful implantation filled the entire family with anticipation. Her mother-in-law had prepared baby supplies early, eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of her grandchildren. This hard-won happiness was shattered the moment her brother was diagnosed. Ke Xu, her younger brother, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at a young age. Conventional treatments couldn't control his condition; only a bone marrow transplant could save his life.
The entire family participated in matching tests, and the repeated verifications left Ke Xi with no choice. She was the only match for her brother.
The doctors clearly stated that a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizing agent was needed before the transplant, a drug that could cause fatal harm to the fetus. To complete the donation, the pregnancy had to be terminated. Torn between her six-year-long longing for her child and her blood-related brother, Ke Xi struggled daily in extreme pain. She dared not close her eyes; every blink brought back images of both lives.
Upon learning that his sister was willing to give up her child for him, her brother resolutely refused treatment. He refused to trade his sister's happiness for his own life.
Watching her brother grow increasingly thin and tormented by illness, Ke Xi's defenses crumbled completely. She couldn't bear to watch this young life end, nor could she back down when the only hope was to save him. She told her husband the truth, and he understood her pain and helplessness, choosing to stand by her side. However, her mother-in-law, upon learning the news, completely erupted in anger.
Her mother-in-law couldn't accept losing her soon-to-be grandson; in her mind, Ke Xi's choice was destroying the family's hope.
Accusations and resentment filled every corner of the family. Ke Xi silently endured all the blame, offering no explanation. She knew no one could truly understand her pain; on one side was her five-month-old unborn child, on the other, her younger brother, her only family. Choosing either side would leave her with lifelong wounds.
On May 5, 2015, Ke Xi went to the hospital alone, without telling her family, and signed the consent form for induced abortion.
The moment she signed, tears streamed down her face. The dual pain, both physical and psychological, nearly overwhelmed her. She had no time to wallow in grief. As soon as she recovered slightly, she immediately cooperated with the hospital to complete all the preparations for the donation. Her only wish was to complete the transplant as soon as possible so her brother could live—this was her sole belief.
On July 18th, Ke Xi entered the hematopoietic stem cell collection room. Throughout the three-hour collection process, she remained conscious, her only thought being for a successful surgery.
The transplant surgery was a great success. Her brother's health gradually improved, and his vital signs slowly stabilized. Ke Xi visited her brother daily via video, seeing his condition slowly recover. All her pain and grievances found solace in this moment.
On the eve of National Day, her brother was discharged from the hospital. Doctors stated that with continued care and regular checkups, his chances of long-term survival were high.
In media interviews, Ke Xi firmly stated that she had never regretted her decision. She knew there were differing opinions; some criticized her for neglecting her family, while others admired her deep sibling love. However, she always followed her truest feelings; the lives of her loved ones were the bottom line she could never abandon.
This decision created an irreparable rift in Ke Xi's family. Her mother-in-law could not forgive her decision, and the family atmosphere became oppressive and distant. Although her husband supported her choice, he was powerless to resolve the conflict between the two generations. Koshi didn't complain about life's unfairness. While caring for her younger brother's recovery, she worked hard to repair family relationships, facing all difficulties with patience and perseverance.
Koshi's story doesn't have a perfect ending, but it shines with the most genuine human brilliance. Faced with a dilemma without a right answer, she made the choice that best followed her heart. She lost her long-awaited child, endured family conflicts and external controversy, yet she upheld blood ties and protected her only brother in her own way.
Life never offers perfect options. Faced with life and death and family ties, all judgments seem pale. Koshi's experience tells the world that family ties are a responsibility etched into one's bones, a willingness to rush to the rescue in times of crisis, and an unwavering commitment to never abandon loved ones, even at the cost of endless pain.
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