Abortionist in Malpractice Claim Faces Possible Indictment

BARNSTABLE -- The gynecologist whose patient died after an abortion at his Hyannis clinic last year is now facing a wrongful death suit and a possible grand jury indictment. Dr. Rapin Osathanondh was sued by Eileen Smith in Barnstable Superior Court on March 10 for wrongful death, according to electronic court records. Smith isn't seeking a specific monetary amount but will ask a jury to award punitive damages for gross negligence in the death of her daughter, according to David Angueira, Smith's Boston lawyer. Smith's daughter, Laura Hope Smith, 22, of Sandwich died Sept. 13 after an abortion was performed at Osathanondh's former clinic at 68 Camp St. Smith filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, and Osathanondh resigned his medical license last month. "This is not your standard medical malpractice case," Angueira said in court. "This doctor did something really wrong." Read more...

Posted by Editor at March 26, 2008 11:53 AM