Births on 6-6-06

On 6 June 2006, some expectant parents tried to avoid a birth on 6-6-06 because 666 is called the beast's number. Press reports described some deliveries being postponed.

A news release from the University at Buffalo, issued before 6 June 2006, says the Book of Revelation makes 666 the beast's number. The release says predictions of evil, even doom, were rampant for dates and places featuring the number, including Tuesday 6 June 2006, written 6-6-06. Wikipedia records that several women worried about delivering on that day.

The Associated Press, in a report carried by NBC News, quoted a hospital worker who said dozens of deliveries took place on the Tuesday while more than twelve others were put off. An NPR report by Pesca said one obstetrician declined to induce labour just to avoid the date. The report added that obstetricians debate the wisdom of inducing labour or scheduling a caesarean on a patient's request, and that a doctor's superstition may be a mother's firm religious belief.