Portugal Doctor Suspended for Negligence after Woman Gives Birth to Faceless Baby
Advertisement
Lisbon: Portugal has suspended an obstetrician suspected of negligence after a baby was born without a face, in a case that has shocked the country.
The baby, Rodrigo, was born on October 7 without a nose, eyes or part of his skull but the deformities were only discovered during his delivery at a hospital in Setubal, about 40 km south of Lisbon.
Portugal's Medical Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to suspend Dr Artur Carvalho from practising for six months. The obstetrician has six other complaints against him, dating back to 2013.
The council opened an investigation after the parents of the deformed baby made a complaint and the birth made headlines.
"There is strong evidence" of the doctor's negligence, which "may lead to a disciplinary sanction", Alexandre Valentim Lourenco, medical council chief for the southern region, told broadcaster RTP.
Given the impact of this case, which "has repercussions on the reputation of doctors" and "to reassure pregnant women", he said the suspension was necessary to evaluate the complaints.
The baby, Rodrigo, was born on October 7 without a nose, eyes or part of his skull but the deformities were only discovered during his delivery at a hospital in Setubal, about 40 km south of Lisbon.
Portugal's Medical Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to suspend Dr Artur Carvalho from practising for six months. The obstetrician has six other complaints against him, dating back to 2013.
The council opened an investigation after the parents of the deformed baby made a complaint and the birth made headlines.
"There is strong evidence" of the doctor's negligence, which "may lead to a disciplinary sanction", Alexandre Valentim Lourenco, medical council chief for the southern region, told broadcaster RTP.
Given the impact of this case, which "has repercussions on the reputation of doctors" and "to reassure pregnant women", he said the suspension was necessary to evaluate the complaints.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.