Verdict still questionable

It will be the hardest road for a mother

A picture that says more than a thousand words: the parents' last touches with their son before the machines stopped.

(Bild: Bettina Danzl)

The trial over the death of baby Lukas in Vöcklabruck hospital could actually have been over by now. However, the lawyer of the accused doctor, who is charged with gross negligence manslaughter, insisted that the mother testify as a witness before the Wels Regional Court. However, she will not be appearing for a fortunate reason.

The 64-year-old gynecologist from the Vöckalbruck hospital will stand before the judge again from 9 a.m. The trial on December 19 of the previous year had to be adjourned in the evening because his lawyer insisted that the mother be questioned. She was unable to appear that day as she was pregnant and the excitement and pressure posed a risk to mother and baby. The witness will also be excused from court on Thursday for the same reason and will not testify.

However, two other witnesses will be heard by the Wels Regional Court. Whether or not a verdict is reached afterwards will probably depend on whether the doctor's lawyer continues to insist that the mother testify.

Caesarean section requested or not
The main issue is whether or not the mother had requested a caesarean section during the "derailed birth" more than two years ago. According to the prosecution, she was denied this, as confirmed by Lukas' father, who testified in December. 

Risk doubled
The accused doctor admitted that there had been deficiencies in the information given to the expectant mother. Another doctor also confirmed that there had been no discussion about a drug that is given to "stimulate" a birth. According to the accusation, the medication, prostaglandin, would have doubled the risk of a uterine rupture, especially because the mother had already required a caesarean section during a birth in 2019. The expert found a breach of duty of care because the package leaflet states that this pill should not be administered in this case.

The "Krone" is present at the trial at Wels Regional Court today.