Massachusetts Doctor to Stand Trial for Manslaughter in Botched Abortion

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Dr. Rapin Osathanondh, an obstetrician and formerly a research associate at the Harvard School of Public Health, will stand trial for manslaughter in the death of 22 year old Laura Hope Smith, who died after a botched abortion performed by Dr. Osathanondh.

Prosecutors in the case allege that Dr. Osathanondh failed to monitor the patient while she was under anesthesia, delayed calling 911 when Ms. Smith was in cardiopulmonary arrest, and lied to officials when interrogated about the death.

As a result of the botched abortion, Dr. Osathanondh resigned his medical license the same day the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine stated the doctor “engaged in conduct that calls into question his competence to practice medicine.” The Board’s investigation of the tragic death concluded that Osathanondh did not have the medical equipment to monitor the patient, including no oxygen or a working blood pressure cuff. The Board also found that he”failed to adhere to basic cardiac life support protocol and did not call 911 in a timely manner.”
Osathanondh, a native of Thailand, has been practicing medicine in Massachusetts since 1974. He is now permanently barred from practicing medicine in the state.

Mark Abramson
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