German Court Orders Doctor To Pay Child Support
He wasn't the daddy, he didn't even have relations with the kid's mother, but a judge says he needs to pay child support for up to 18 years. On Tuesday, Germany's Karlsruhe-based Federal Appeals Court ruled that a gynecologist owes $768 per month to his patient after the contraceptive patch he inserted failed to prevent pregnancy, (could Trojan Man be next?). The hormone-releasing device was supposed to protect her for three years, but according to the court, half a year after the operation, it could no longer be found in her body. Fearing a flood of similar suits, many in Germany's medical community have spoken out against the controversial decision which not only let the biological father off the hook, but actually compensated him for what he'd paid to date.
While it may be reassuring to know doctors will be held accountable, this precedent could have a number of nasty consequences for Germany. For starters, no OB/GYN will want to risk implanting such forms of birth control again, which could lead to many more unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, fear of lawsuits could steer talented MDs toward lower risk specialties creating a deficit of physicians to handle all those births. And, while a connection between unintended pregnancy and higher crime has yet to be proven, it seems likely that Germany's court dockets will be overflowing with parents trying to cash in on their accidents. But perhaps most tragic of all, the children themselves will be dragged to court and presented as exhibits to their own unwanted existence. On the other hand, lawyers and deadbeat dads stand to do pretty well.
Source: 'Gynaecologist must pay child support'
By Emil Steiner | November 15, 2006; 6:57 PM ET | Category: OFF/beat Politics
Posted by: esq | November 15, 2006 9:33 PM
A SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH AND ASSIGNING RESPONSIBILTY FOR ONES ACTIONS IS WHAT A COURT IS SUPPOSED TO DO. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RAISE A CHILD? AFFORDABILTY AND RESPONSIBILITY HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH LOVING AN UNEXPECTED CHILD. YOU COMMENTS, HOWEVER, ARE EVIDENCE OF YOUR SEXISM (DEADBEAT DADS, POOR MOMS - AND THE HOLDER OF THE RIGHT TO ABORTION). IN SHORT, YOUR OFF THE CUFF MORAL RECTITUDE IS INDEFENSIBLE.
Posted by: ABEL | November 16, 2006 8:13 AM
Abel, shhhh, not so loud . . . you'll wake the baby!
Posted by: E | November 16, 2006 2:22 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
the company who made the patch should have been liable, not the doc