A New York physician with a practice in Queens has been charged with second-degree manslaughter after one of his patients bled to death due to complications during an abortion he performed July 9, according to The New York Times.
Robert Rho, MD, was arraigned on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to prosecutors, Dr. Rho "caused a laceration of the victim's cervix, a perforation of the uterine wall, and a disruption and transection of the uterine artery." Although the 30-year-old patient, Jamie Lee Morales, needed an additional procedure and appeared disoriented, she was allowed to leave Dr. Rho's office.
After leaving the physician's office, Ms. Morales lost consciousness and was taken to a Bronx hospital where she was treated for vaginal bleeding. She died later that night, according to the article.
Jeffrey H. Lichtman, a lawyer for Dr. Rho, told The New York Times his client should not have been charged in Ms. Morales's death.
"The fact that this turned out to be a tragedy doesn't mean that he's criminally responsible or civilly responsible," Mr. Lichtman said.
More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits:
Investor sues Tenet after $514M kickback deal: 7 things to know
10 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
Ex-employee sues Loyola University Health System over FMLA violation