A pregnant 37-year-old Kuwaiti asylum seeker on Nauru suffering pre-eclampsia is being flown out of the country by Australian authorities to deliver her baby.
Sources have told SBS News the woman has boarded a plane in Nauru and its destination is expected to be Brisbane.
Previously women have been flown to Australia, Fiji or Singapore to give birth.
Last night the Nauru’s government tweeted: “We have received confirmation from Australia that the patient will be airlifted. Expected tomorrow (Friday)”.
“Nauru has no control over decisions by Aust on who to transfer & did not stop transfer. Nauru approved transfer the moment request was made,” the government said in a second tweet.
The woman is 36 weeks pregnant, has a large fibroid tumour in her uterus, has previously miscarried on Nauru, and the baby is in a breech position.
Yesterday the Nauruan government rejected Australian media reports that it does not have the facilities to deal with the complex pregnancy.
“All pregnancies on Nauru are treated with due diligence and care by both Nauruan medical staff and partner health service providers,” the department said in a statement.
“Presented complex cases are carefully treated and medical evacuations are activated with priority if required. Such decisions remain that of health professionals based on patient medical evaluations.
“Both mother and baby continue to be monitored by skilled and professional medical staff, who have extensive experience in the delivery of babies and pre- and postnatal care.
“Our medical teams and specialists are available and prepared with patient care as our first priority. We will always recommend treatment in accordance with the best interest of the patient and will not hesitate to recommend a medical evacuation if the situation requires.”
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has told SBS they are aware of the case but refused to comment on the woman's specific medical circumstances.
