Group To Sue UPTH For Removing Woman’s Womb Without Consent

A non-governmental group known as Lawyers Watch for Justice International Initiative (LWJII), has threatened to institute a legal action against the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) over an alleged non-consented surgical operation on one Rukayat Afolabi.
The group claimed that a medical team of two surgeons operated on Afolabi and carried out hysterectomy without her consent during the process of child delivery in February last year.
It emphasised that if the demands of the group to remedy the situation are not met, it would sue the management of the hospital, including the medical team.
The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly, the Judiciary and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (NMDC) to investigate and prosecute all those involved in the act.
Briefing newsmen over the development, last weekend, Barrister Modilyn Olowu of the initiative alleged that the operation carried out by the medical team of the hospital has led to the sterilisation of Afolabi and traumatised her emotionally.
She described the action of the doctors as flagrant disregard to Afolabi’s right to bodily autonomy and integrity, contrary to Article 14(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
“What is most worrisome is the loss of the entire essence of Rukaya Afolabi’s womanhood due to the after-effects of the surgical operation carried out on her”, Olowu remarked.
Also, another member of the group, Gbenga Oladapo said Afolabi has the right to consent to the operation, adding that, 19 days after discharging her from the hospital, the doctors failed to inform her of the situation.
In the words of Oladapo, “The claim that her (Afolabi’s) life was in danger following complications from child-birth was not sufficient to remove her womb. It’s her right to consent or decide”.
Speaking to journalists, Afolabi stated that she discovered her situation after her menstruation ceased.
According to her, scans and medical checks from other hospitals had indicated that her womb was removed.
She narrated how she was brought to UPTH during child-birth complications, and how the medical team operated her, though she lost her baby.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of UPTH, Elapha Meni, confirmed the allegation, but said the hospital was investigating the matter.

Kevin Nengia