The first third of Cutting For Stone focuses largely on the character of Hema. Hema is a strong, independent woman. She surpasses the constraints of the life she was born into, going to Ethiopia to practice medicine instead of staying in her home country. Although she walks into the middle of utter chaos, with Sister Mary Joseph quickly losing life. She makes the decision, over Dr. Stone's, to save the babies lives. I believe her decision was mostly motivated by her values as a doctor, the belief in saving a human life above everything. However, there are various religious references throughout the delivery.
At first, Hema relies on her skills as a doctor to save the babies. Afterward, she relies on her God. She surrenders control and calls upon her God to save them. In fact, it seems as though as soon as she utters the word, "Shiva", the baby breathes. Her motivation lies in religion in that she leans on her deity to save the baby, even naming the baby Shiva. The shining light brings an almost godly element, filling the children with light and with life.
The idea of valuing a human life above all, whether religious or not, is a value I would definitely recommend to others. Hema's focus arises from the need to save lives, an appreciation of life, and a faith in her God to help her save lives.
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