Abortion doctor back before GMC

Andrew Gbinigie is still allowed to perform abortions

A doctor who performed a botched abortion in which a woman almost died is to appear before the General Medical Council (GMC) for a second time.

Andrew Gbinigie, from Barnt Green, Worcestershire, was found guilty of serious professional misconduct at a GMC hearing last year.

But it was considered an isolated case and Mr Gbinigie was allowed to carry on working under certain conditions.

The new hearing was ordered after some women complained about the first one.

Kidney removed

An assessment panel from the GMC has considered evidence submitted by several of Mr Gbinigie's former patients and decided to refer his case to the committee of professional performance.

It will decide whether there should be further restrictions placed on the doctor's ability to practise.

He is currently allowed to continue performing abortions only at sites which have immediate access to intensive care units and surgical experts.

The restriction was imposed in March 2003 after the hearing was told how Mr Gbinigie accidentally pulled out a piece of a woman's bowel during an abortion.

The patient's life was only saved after three consultants at the Birmingham Women's Hospital carried out a five-hour emergency operation in which her right kidney had to be removed.

The committee of professional performance has the right to suspend or restrict the registration of a doctor.