Six midwives have been in court since Thursday, May 5 in Louga, Senegal in the “Astou Sokhna” case, named after this 9-month-old pregnant woman who died in childbirth at Louga hospital. The professionals are charged with “failure to assist a person in danger”, with the family of the deceased denouncing the negligence of the maternity staff. But for the defense, these prosecutions are unfair.
With our special correspondent in Louga, Charlotte Idrac
The courtroom was packed for the opening of the hearing at 9am (GMT), many people having to stay up to attend.
First in turn, the six midwives, with hair wrapped in colorful scarveswere questioned by the president of the court and the many lawyers: “To how often did you monitor Astou Sokhna after admission to maternity ? » ; ” Did you know the patient had a history and it was a high risk pregnancy ? » ; ” Did you know that a caesarean section was scheduled the next day ? “. Either questions that can be summarized by “ did you do the right thing ? »
None recognize the non-assistance to anyone in danger, they ensure that the protocol was respected and that at the time of their visit, Astou Sokhna ” was not in a worrying state “.
On the side of the civil parties, the husband of the victim spoke of the indifference, even the malicious remarks of the midwives towards his wife. Astou Sokhna’s mother, somewhat vague, but combative, also pointed the finger at midwives, both figuratively and literally.
” Unfair ” for the defendants’ support, in particular the representatives of the unions of health professionals, who insist on the difficult working conditions of the midwives, who mobilized calmly around the courthouse. He is under heavy police surveillance.
► To read also: Trial of midwives in the “Astou Sokhna” case: the tragedy of maternal mortality in Senegal