Birth Geld: A German gynecologist has been ordered to pay monthly child support for a baby born of a failed contraceptive device:
A doctor who carried out a failed contraceptive operation has been ordered by a German court to pay financial support for the child.
The gynaecologist had inserted a patch into the patient's arm, but it failed to prevent pregnancy six months later.
The woman, who had recently qualified as a teacher, had to give up her new job to care for her child.
The highest judicial court has ruled the doctor must pay 600 euros ($400) a month until the child reaches 18.
German gynaecologists now fear a flood of lawsuits, says the BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Berlin.
Bet German gynecologists will stop offering that implant.
Well, this will stop the drop in Germany's birthrate. No German doctor in their right mind will ever prescribe a contraceptive device after this, because they all fail. And just think of the business property lawyers will have while docs rush to transfer their assets. Even though this norplant might have been improperly inserted- we'll never know- the doc has been held responsible. In the U.S., wrongful life suits are not allowed as the state recognizes the intrinsic value of a human being, and believes that human being to be a positive addition to the family.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine how this kid is going to feel growing up. I hope the court set aside a fund for his mental health care.
Word. Maybe the doctor can sue the family for partial custody of the child? After all the doctor is deemed responsible for the child's birth, and the family doesn't appear to want the child.
ReplyDeleteWonder if the arguments that the family could've aborted the child or given it up for adoption were brought up. Maybe the family was pro-life, but surely there are enough couples out there willing to adopt a healthy child.
diora
ReplyDeleteThat's been the argument here. Don't want the child? Someone does. Certainly the state does. Therefore, the state will not award damages when no damage has been done.
I couldn't believe this! There's a built in failure rate! Even with sterilization. Errrggghhhh!
ReplyDeleteDanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree. I am childless, so I cannot really master any sympathy for this couple.
I meant if the arguments were brought up in court - my note wasn't clear. Agree on all points with you - it was a ridiculous decision.
diora
ReplyDeleteOh, I am sorry if I my followup to your first comment wasn't clear. I got what you meant, and agree, even if it didn't come out that way.
This move by German court is not good for the gynecologists. This news only hints what is going to happen in future, where politians and others will try to control Medical profession
ReplyDeleteSreeram
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