A doctor in Germany who carried out a failed contraceptive operation has been ordered by the courts there 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 device is meant to protect against pregnancy for up to three years, but six months after the operation, for whatever reason, the implant could no longer be found in the woman's body, the court said. 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 are now worried that they could be facing a flood of lawsuits. The decision made on Tuesday, in Karlsruhe, has met with immense disapproval in the German press.
The parents, who had known each other six months at the time of the conception, are no longer together, the court said. The father ironically will also be compensated for the maintenance he is paying for the child.
November 2006 | 
Doctor Must Pay Maintenance For Unwanted Baby
