Update: Maltese Gynaecologist Clarifies He Never Advocated Andrea Prudente Terminating Her Pregnancy In Malta
Leading Maltese gynaecologist George Buttigieg has clarified* that he categorically did not advocate an abortion in Andrea Prudente’s case, which he actually never even discussed.
During a recent TVM interview, Buttigieg said that when a pregnant woman’s life is at risk, including in cases of severe bleeding, placental abruption and chorioamnionitis (severe intra-uterine infection), the correct medical practice is to evacuate the uterus.
In reference to the statement that he recommended a termination, Buttigieg firmly stated:
“First of all I know nothing about the facts of the case. What I stated in my TVM interview was what would be my management of a 16-week pregnancy with ruptured membranes.”
“I said for example that a natural miscarriage may follow. I also said that in a small percentage of cases, the membranes re-seal and pregnancy may even continue relatively normally. Finally I said, without reference to this case, details of which are unknown to me, that if the situation through haemorrhage or sepsis seriously threatens maternal life then uterine evacuation must be considered, irrespective of the presence or absence of an active fetal heart.”
View this post on Instagram
“The latter can be exemplified by what happens when we manage an ectopic pregnancy and a fetal heart is detected outside the uterus such as in the fallopian tube. Furthermore, I concluded with the crucial fact that maternal life in Malta IS safe and no legal amendment is necessary for a serious gynaecologist to effect the correct management. Hence no maternal mortality in this country can be quoted in this context.”
US tourist Andrea Prudente, who was 16 weeks pregnant, said she suffered serious pregnancy problems while on holiday in Malta, with her waters breaking after 16 weeks of pregnancy, leaving no amniotic fluid for her foetus to grow or breathe.
She said that although Maltese doctors told her that her pregnancy had a zero chance of success, she wasn’t allowed to terminate it so long as the foetus had a heartbeat and she wasn’t in serious risk of dying, and this in line with the law.
Prudente has since been airlifted to Spain where she successfully terminated her pregnancy. In his TVM interview, Buttigieg said medical decisions should go beyond checking whether the foetus has a heartbeat or not. The scope however is to safe both mother and baby, though at 16 weeks, the child is hardly likely to survive.
“Our obligation is to save lives. What kind of management is it to put the mother’s life at risk because there’s a foetal heartbeat in a situation where a successful pregnancy is impossible?” he questioned.
“I don’t enjoy taking such decisions and I don’t take them lightly.”
“Without criticising anyone, I don’t know what mentality you must have to say you won’t carry out an evacuation but will let the foetus die in peace and won’t intervene until the heartbeat stops. It’s unacceptable for me and I think I’m expressing the opinion of all gynaecologists and obstetricians who use logical thought.”
Finally, Buttigieg re-affirmed his pro-life and anti-abortion stance. He firmly stated that action to evacuate the uterus in these circumstances is a very sad duty. Both lives are precious and all must be attempted to save both.
*This article was originally published on 23rd June and updated on 25th June with a clarification from Dr Buttigieg
Should Malta decriminalise abortion?
READ NEXT: In Photos: Maltese Tradition Meets Local Models In New Colourful Photo Series
