Advertisement

Doc convicted over fatal pregnancy

Malcolm Curtis
Malcolm Curtis - [email protected]
Doc convicted over fatal pregnancy

The head of gynaecology at a hospital in the canton of Saint Gallen was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter after a botched pregnancy killed both the mother, Julitta, and her child.

Advertisement

The gynaecologist from Wil hospital received a suspended two-year prison sentence and a 6,000-franc ($6,000) fine, while three other doctors are facing similar charges.

German-language newspaper Blick revealed the case, which dates back almost five years, on its website on Thursday.

The report includes an interview with the bereaved father, Daniel, a 40-year-old farmer who lives in Mosnang (Saint Gallen)..

He said he was shocked to learn of the doctor’s sentencing only after being contacted this week by the newspaper.  

“I was not informed about the process,” Daniel said on Wednesday.

“This was simply not correct.”

The case dates back to October 12th, 2007 when Julitta, 34, was in the Wil hospital expecting her eighth child.

The child died in the womb and the mother succumbed shortly after.

“When my wife learned that the child was found dead in her belly, her world collapsed,” Daniel said.

He recalled that his wife was in great pain but that the doctors did not take her concerns seriously enough.

The court found that the head gynaecologist failed to deal appropriately with the mother's bleeding following the stillbirth.

The patient died after emergency surgery, which was initiated too late.

Three other doctors face charges of involuntary manslaughter in cases to be heard on August 28th before the Wil district court.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also