A Portugal doctor is suspended after delivering a baby with no face.
What We Know:
- The Portugal Medical Council suspended obstetrician Dr. Artur Carvalho for six months due to allegations of negligence. Earlier this month, baby Rodrigo was born at a Setubal hospital with no eyes, nose, and parts of his skull missing. Dr. Carvalho had delivered him.
- Before his birth, Carvalho had performed three mandatory ultrasounds on Rodrigo’s mother at a private clinic. At the time, Carvalho didn’t report any concerns but, prior to that appointment, Rodrigo’s mother had received a more detailed 5D ultrasound from another clinic when she was six months pregnant.
- At this particular clinic, the doctors had stated that there were some possibilities of abnormality but, Rodrigo’s aunt had swept it under the rug. Rodrigo’s aunt had reportedly told a local broadcaster the following: “He explained that sometimes some parts of the face are not visible (on ultrasounds)… when the baby’s face is glued to the belly of the mother.”
- Rodrigo’s abnormalities were soon recognized at his birth. The doctors had told Rodrigo’s mother and aunt that he only had hours to live but baby Rodrigo has survived for over two weeks due to hospital care.
- As for Carvalho, he hasn’t commented on his recent suspension. However, this isn’t the first time that the doctor has faced an issue like this. In a 2011 case, a baby was delivered by Carvalho with deformed legs, facial disfigurement, and severe brain damage. There was also a 2007 case reported where Carvalho had delivered a baby that died months after being born. Each case was dismissed without reaching trial, the Independent UK reports.
It’s always unfortunate to hear about babies born with birth defects, let alone them dying from their abnormalities. Let’s hope the country of Portugal re-opens the above-mentioned cases that were dismissed and send Dr. Carvalho away for a long time.
