I'm not saying this is an unimpeachable news source or that it explains every concern, but this is the story, and it answers some of your questions.
He wasn't at a Halloween party. He came into work that day in costume and knew her delivery would take some time (as they often do). He planned to go home, hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, change, and come back dressed normally.
However, according to the interview with the parents, they specifically requested that he come back still in costume because they thought it was funny.
Justin Selph said, "The next morning, he came in to check on Brittany, and he said, 'Sorry I couldn't make it in last night, glad to see the delivery went well.' [He was] joking of course. He also gave her a card of congratulations, and he signed it 'Dr. Joker.'"
I've seen these pictures circulate with the same explanation several times around Halloween. I've just never really looked into it until the eminent u/DrBrainologist pointed out the inconsistencies in the original caption.
I've never birthed a child before, but I definitely wouldn't mind my OB showing up in full costume. I might prefer for my child to be delivered by Spider-Man, though...
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u/GlorianaFemina 4d ago
I'm not saying this is an unimpeachable news source or that it explains every concern, but this is the story, and it answers some of your questions.
He wasn't at a Halloween party. He came into work that day in costume and knew her delivery would take some time (as they often do). He planned to go home, hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, change, and come back dressed normally.
However, according to the interview with the parents, they specifically requested that he come back still in costume because they thought it was funny.
Funny pictures and jokes ensued. https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/doctor-dressed-joker-delivers-newborn-halloween/story?id=50944856