Doctor ‘not free’ to treat ‘ectopic’ pregnancy

A gynaecologist says a doctor at the heart of an inquiry was “not entitled” to recommend medication that would end a mother’s early pregnancy.

Methotrexate is a a drug used to end an ectopic pregnancy. It should only be advised if a consultant is completely certain of this diagnosis, expert witness and gynaecologist Philip Owen told the Medical Council inquiry in Dublin yesterday.

The hearing is looking into claims that a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist working at South Tipperary General Hospital — referred to as Dr A—wrongly diagnosed an ectopic pregnancy in the case of mother-of-three Laura Esmonde, 38, when she presented at the hospital on January 6, 2013 with a swollen leg. Dr A then advised methotrexate to end the pregnancy, which Ms Esmonde took on January 8.