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Tragic childbirth deaths in a Casablanca clinic spark investigation calls

In Casablanca, three pregnant women died during childbirth at the same clinic and under similar circumstances, sparking a wave of controversy and increasing calls for a thorough investigation to uncover the details and hold those responsible accountable.

DR
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The tragic deaths of two pregnant women at a private clinic in Casablanca, occurring on the same day and under similar circumstances, have sparked widespread concern and prompted intervention from human rights defenders. Among them is the National Association for the Defense of Human Rights and the Protection of Public Funds, which has decided to join the case as a civil party.

In a statement to Yabiladi, Abdelilah Tatouche, president of the association, confirmed that the association had filed a formal complaint on Monday, January 13, with the prosecutor general at the Casablanca Court of Appeals, calling for a judicial investigation.

The complaint, a copy of which was shared with Yabiladi, states that the association received a request for support from Hamza, the husband of the late victim, Kenza. He explained that his 23-year-old wife had been regularly monitoring her pregnancy and general health with an obstetrician-gynecologist in Casablanca. All medical tests indicated that both Kenza’s and the baby’s conditions were normal, leading to the scheduled delivery on January 7, 2025, at the Jnane Taddart clinic in Casablanca, where Kenza passed away.

According to the husband’s account in the complaint, he accompanied his wife to the clinic on the morning of January 7, 2025, where the usual administrative procedures were completed. At around 8:30 am, Kenza was admitted to the operating room. Clinic staff reassured him that the baby was doing well and asked him to bring clothes for the baby. They also assured him that his wife would be transferred to her room once she woke up from anesthesia.

However, as time went on without any updates, the husband and family began to grow anxious. It was later revealed that Kenza had suffered severe complications during childbirth and was moved to the recovery room, where she tragically died under mysterious circumstances.

In the complaint submitted to the public prosecutor, the association explained that Hamza confirmed his wife had initially received local anesthesia, but her condition worsened to the point where the medical team had to fully anesthetize her in order to save the baby. Kenza was then transferred to the recovery room, where she passed away, while the baby survived and was handed over to the family.

The association also pointed to another similar incident on the same day, where a death occurred under identical circumstances, further fueling the controversy on social media and raising more questions.

Calls for a thorough investigation

In light of these events, the association is calling on the public prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of Appeals to launch a full investigation. They are requesting that the obstetrician, anesthesiologist, medical staff involved in the delivery, resuscitation doctor, and the clinic's director, along with any other staff members connected to the two cases, be questioned.

The Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption in Morocco has also become involved, reporting three deaths instead of two. They are urging both health and judicial authorities to open an immediate and thorough investigation to uncover the true causes behind these deaths and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Since this morning, Yabiladi has attempted to reach the management of the Jnane Tadart Clinic for comment, but each time, the person on the phone has stated that the clinic’s director is unavailable due to a meeting.

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