Coming Early

Andrea Ball (thanks, Richard): Adrienne Nash writhes on a gurney in a speeding ambulance, gasping her way through another contraction. Take deep breaths, the emergency medical technician tells her; I know it hurts. Adrienne is 24 weeks pregnant and in full labor. It's too soon. The boy in her belly — with his immature brain, primitive lungs and translucent skin — isn't ready for life outside the womb.

It's Dec. 28, 2003. The baby isn't due until April 12.

But tonight, he will be born. And tonight, he might die.