By ELIZABETH VUVU
A 19-YEAR-old Bou-gainvillean woman who allowed another woman to administer a drug through her private part has been found guilty of manslaughter.
The incident occurred last April 1 when Charlice Lamete was about seven months pregnant.
She gave birth several hours later near a river in Arawa but the baby died shortly after.
The woman had inserted six Cytotec tablets, also known as Misoprostol, to induce labour.
Justice David Cannings, sitting at the Buka National Court last week, said that being born two months early, the baby had a low chance of survival.
Furthermore, he noted, Lamete, gave birth alone and unassisted.
He said Lamete was negligent when she allowed the woman to administer the drug to her, and aggravated it by failing to take herself to the hospital or at least seek assistance of some kind, when she felt labour pains.
“I conclude that she indirectly caused the death of the baby and therefore she killed it,” he said.
“She exhibited careless disregard for the life of the baby she was carrying. The accused is guilty of manslaughter.”
Justice Cannings is expected to pass sentence tomorrow.
Lamete’s counsel had argued that it was not the drug which cause the baby to die but even if it was, the court should take into account that she was an inexperienced person in a vulnerable position.