Prison for failed abortion attempt

A MAINLAND-TRAINED doctor who attempted an unsuccessful illegal abortion on a woman was sentenced yesterday to 18 months' jail by the High Court.

The penalty was imposed by Mr Justice Barnett on Cheung Kam-kei, 57, after she was found guilty by a jury of using an instrument with intent to procure a miscarriage.

The jury also found her guilty of one count each of taking part in managing an unregistered clinic and possession of dangerous drugs.

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Barnett said Cheung was a well-qualified and intelligent woman and he was sure she knew the law provided for abortion, but in controlled circumstances.

Had Cheung referred Chiu Dui-hing, a 37-year-old mother-of-two, to a qualified hospital or clinic, she would have suffered less pain.

Clearly Cheung knew what she was doing was wrong and she did it in a ready manner, he said.

Roderick Murray, prosecuting, had called evidence that Ms Chiu visited Cheung in her Kwun Tong clinic on January 16 after a doctor she had consulted for abdominal pain and bleeding told her she was pregnant and at risk of a miscarriage.

Cheung told her that since she was in so much pain, she would not be able to keep the baby and advised her to have an abortion.

The operation, involving using a suction device to remove the foetus from the uterus, was carried out in the treatment room after Ms Chiu agreed to pay $1,800.

However, by January 25 she was still in a lot of pain. She was taken to Prince of Wales Hospital where an ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed and surgery was performed to remove the foetus.

Cheung had elected not to give evidence,but it was her case that she believed the foetus was already dead when she treated Ms Chiu.