Moroccan Doctor Jailed for Absence During Emergency Birth

In addition to the woman doctor, the driver of the ambulance of the commune of Talmsset was also sentenced to the same fine but to a sentence of eight months in prison, reports the daily Al ahdath Al Maghribia. The two defendants were prosecuted for "negligence and failure to assist a person in danger".

The facts had occurred in May 2020. A man had taken his pregnant wife to the health center of the municipality of Talmsset for an emergency delivery. On their arrival, no midwife was present to accompany this patient who was in critical condition. Her husband takes an ambulance to transfer her to the emergency room of the provincial hospital Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Essaouira, 60 km from Talmsset. While they were on the way, the woman gave birth on board the ambulance in catastrophic conditions. A few moments later, she died from severe bleeding.

This tragedy had aroused emotion, indignation and anger. Local associations had signed a joint petition and called for an investigation to determine responsibilities. The woman doctor and the driver of the Talmsset commune ambulance were subsequently implicated.