Woman sues for N$3.1m, alleging doctors removed her womb without consent

A Walvis Bay woman is suing the government for N$3.1 million after allegedly losing her womb without consent during surgery at the Walvis Bay State Hospital — an accusation the hospital has denied, insisting doctors acted to save her life.The woman, whose identity is being withheld to protect her privacy, claims she visited the Walvis Bay Clinic in April 2024 for a family planning injection but was found to be pregnant. Days later, she experienced heavy bleeding and was referred to a gynaecologist, who diagnosed her with an ectopic pregnancy — a condition in which a fertilised egg implants and grows outside the uterus rather than inside the womb.She alleges that a subsequent surgical procedure went wrong, causing injuries to her uterus and intestines, and ultimately leading to the removal of her womb without her informed consent.Hospital denies negligenceIn court documents filed through the Office of the Government Attorney, the Ministry of Health and Social Services admitted that the woman had been treated at the hospital and that its staff owed her a duty of care. However, it denied any negligence, arguing that the procedure was medically necessary.The ministry said the woman’s condition was “life-threatening” and that doctors acted in her “best interest” to save her life.“Medical interventions for emergency situations in their nature do not require the consent of a patient, especially if the situation is life-threatening or could cause serious harm,” the plea document reads.“The defendants (the ministry) plead that necessary interventions were taken to save the plaintiff’s life.”The plea further claims that the woman delayed seeking medical attention after first experiencing heavy bleeding on 15 April 2024, which, according to the ministry, contributed to the delay in treatment.Government lawyer Quine Fenyeho also argued that the patient was diagnosed with a six-week anembryonic pregnancy — a condition where a fertilised egg implants in the uterus but fails to develop into an embryo. “Due to the uncontrolled uterine bleeding, an emergency hysterectomy was performed as it was medically necessary to preserve the woman’s life,” the ministry stated.The state maintains that all medical staff involved acted with professionalism, care and diligence, and that the procedure was performed to prevent further harm to the patient.The woman, however, contends that she was never properly informed about what was being done and that the operation left her unable to bear children. She is seeking damages for physical injury, emotional trauma, and loss of amenities of life.rita@nmh-hub.com.na

Woman sues for N$3.1m, alleging doctors removed her womb without consent

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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Woman sues for N$3.1m, alleging doctors removed her womb without consent

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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