One of the doctors involved in Aisling Hubert's legal challenge against 'gender-abortion' has had his ban lifted.
Dr Palaniappan Rajmohan was recorded by undercover journalists from The Telegraph in 2012, offering to arrange an abortion for a woman simply because the child was a girl.
The doctor himself admitted that this amounted to 'gender-abortion', saying to the woman:
"That’s not fair. It’s like female infanticide, isn’t it?"
He then agreed to offer the abortion, documenting in records that it was because the girl was "too young for pregnancy”.
Dr Rajmohan, who worked at the Calthorpe Clinic in Edgbaston, Birmingham, was suspended for three months last October, by the General Medical Council (GMC).
But last month at a review hearing, the panel ruled that the doctor's fitness to practise was no longer impaired, after he said he thought he was acting in the ‘best interests’ of the patient.
In a statement that was read out during Dr Rajmohan's hearing in January, he also said:
"I'm ashamed and sorry that I have brought disgrace to the profession, public trust and also let down my colleagues, at the same time bringing disrepute to my employing trust."
Aisling Hubert’s ongoing legal challenge
Christian Legal Centre client and pro-life campaigner Aisling Hubert is involved in an ongoing legal challenge, to bring Dr Rajmohan, and another doctor caught offering a 'gender-abortion', to justice.
In 2013, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) took up a case against Dr Rajmohan and Dr Prabha Sivaraman.
But, despite video footage providing evidence that the doctors were guilty, the CPS then dropped the case, saying that it was "not in the public interest" to prosecute.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, 22-year-old Aisling took up a case against the CPS, challenging this failure to prosecute.
'Huge injustice'
In December, her application for Judicial Review was refused – a decision she immediately decided to appeal.
At the time, she commented: "There is a huge injustice here. There was clear video evidence that doctors were willing to offer abortion on the grounds of the child being the ‘wrong’ gender. That is against the law, and yet the CPS refused to prosecute, refused to release important video evidence and then squashed my attempt to fight for justice.
"CCTV footage is routinely used by police and the CPS to convict criminals in our courts and yet, in this case, the DPP has refused to allow the courts to consider the evidence.
"The failure of the DPP to take action gives the impression that we have abortion on demand, for whatever reason.
"This decision must be challenged, and I plan to appeal this week’s ruling.
"Every human life is precious and we must continue to fight for justice."
Aisling’s court challenge has left her with substantial legal costs over £40,000.
'Persistently undermined'
Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre Andrea Williams has said that such a penalty for pursuing justice stands in sharp contrast to the GMC's decision to lift Dr Rajmohan's ban.
"It is astounding that Aisling, who is rightfully seeking justice for the unborn child, should be faced with these costs, while the doctor guilty of offering a 'gender-abortion' should be dealt such a light sentence.
"Dr Rajmohan was right to apologise for bringing disgrace to his profession. But more importantly, he agreed to an abortion based simply on the child’s gender.
"His apology fails to recognise the seriousness of this action – as did his three-month suspension."
Commenting on Aisling’s decision to appeal, Andrea said:
"Aisling's attempts to seek justice have been persistently undermined by the CPS. At all stages of this case, there have been major challenges, but Aisling has been determined to carry on and speak on behalf of the unborn child. We will continue to support her as she seeks an appeal.
"Every human being is made in the image of God, and life should be protected from the moment of conception."
Related Links:
Visit Aisling Hubert's case page for more information on her case
Ban lifted on abortion doctor who agreed to gender-based termination (Telegraph)