A lawsuit has been filed against an abortion clinic in Illinois following severe complications from a late-term abortion.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that the procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Reisinger-Kindle at the Equity Clinic, left half of the deceased baby in her womb. Illinois, known for its lenient abortion laws, has made strides in expanding access with minimal safety regulations.
Richard Craig, the attorney representing the plaintiff, stated that the complications from the April 2, 2023, procedure could have been life-threatening. The lawsuit claims no medication was provided to end the life of the unborn child before the suction procedure.
Craig explained, “Someone who’s performing this has an option of dismembering this baby part by part, while it is alive, or administering digoxin.”
Following the procedure, Doe experienced severe cramping and pressure, calling the clinic twice with concerns. She was advised to take over-the-counter painkillers and laxatives. On April 4, she was admitted to a hospital in Indiana, where it was discovered that fetal remains were still present in her uterus.
The lawsuit describes the presence of “half of a deceased pre-born human being” and pieces of the fetal skull in her uterus, requiring surgery. Additionally, there was a perforation in Doe’s uterus. Dr. Reisinger-Kindle allegedly refused to provide information regarding the procedure when contacted by hospital staff.
Jane Doe accuses the clinic of medical negligence and emotional distress, citing a phone call with Reisinger-Kindle as particularly distressing. When she inquired about the baby’s gender, the doctor reportedly said he would “check again,” despite knowing the remains were discarded. Craig emphasized that such behavior “exceeded all bounds of human decency.”
An expert witness in the lawsuit, an obstetrician-gynecologist, stated that due to Reisinger-Kindle’s alleged errors, Doe might face complications in future pregnancies.
The emotional toll on Doe has been profound, with Craig noting the impact of the doctor’s callous treatment. The lawsuit argues that the clinic’s actions have had long-lasting effects on Doe’s physical and emotional well-being.
The Equity Clinic advertises late-term abortions up to 24 weeks and promotes diversity training for its staff. The clinic’s website states it avoids using the term “late-term abortion” due to perceived political connotations.
Illinois law permits abortion up to 24 weeks, with recent legislation expanding the scope for practitioners like nurses and physician assistants. In 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a law shielding medical professionals providing abortions from legal repercussions.
The state boasts minimal regulations on abortion clinics, which critics argue leads to situations like Jane Doe’s. Craig remarked, “There’s very little in the way of oversight in this field.”
Reisinger-Kindle and the Equity Clinic have not responded to requests for comment. The case highlights ongoing debates about abortion access and regulatory oversight. The legal proceedings will likely draw attention to Illinois’ approach to reproductive health services.
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