This special episode focuses primarily on one gripping case. A busy Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) solves his patients' problems all day--until a pregnant woman, Jodi (COLLEEN FLYNN), checks into the ER eight weeks prior to her due date. Thinking she just has an upset stomach, Dr. Greene releases her in the care of her husband (BRADLEY WHITFORD - "Scent of a Woman"). However, Jodi's problems escalate, and Dr. Greene must race to save her life as well as the life of her unborn baby. Another more experienced doctor arrives to take over, blaming Greene for not dealing well with the complications. In the end, the baby is saved, but the mother dies. Feeling responsible, Greene becomes extremely depressed.

Also in the ER, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) diagnoses a young teenage boy suspected of being a drunk as the victim of pesticide poisoning instead. Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) deals with his mother who needs surgery on her hip, which she broke in a fall. Dr. Benton wants Dr. Nelson, the head orthopedist, to perform the procedure on his mother while Benton watches. Nelson refuses Benton's requests but promises to watch the surgery himself.