Two doctors have recently been charged with murder in regards to several deaths of unborn babies abortions. One of the charges stems from alleged medical malpractice that occurred in 2010. One woman, who was 21 weeks pregnant, had sought their help to end her pregnancy, but because of one of the doctors' negligence, she suffered a ruptured uterus and an injured bowel on the operating table.

The doctor then brought the injured woman to a nearby hospital to seek medical help after the botched abortion. This led to an investigation of the doctor's abortion practice, which resulted in the criminal charges against him and his partner. Tragically, prosecutors say, the remains of 35 aborted late-term fetuses were discovered in the clinic's freezer, although it is not clear that fact is relevant to the cases.

An interesting aspect of this story is that it is not against the law for doctors to give lawful medical care; nor is it illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy. In this case, the unborn baby was at 21 weeks' gestation, and prosecutors are arguing that, but for the actions of the doctor, the unborn baby could have survived outside its mother's womb.

Doctors who perform abortions generally cannot be charged with murder, even in cases where the fetus was viable. In Maryland, where these cases occurred, murder charges can be brought against someone who intends to kill or seriously injure a fetus or who wantonly disregards the safety of a fetus, but that law has never been used to prosecute abortion providers. These doctors were apparently charged because they are accused of intentionally trying to seriously injure the unborn child. This may be the first such case to come before the courts.

In the meantime, because of the medical malpractice resulting from the botched abortion, the doctors have been prohibited from practicing medicine. Their medical licenses in several states have been suspended, and the authorities are hoping to have their medical license revoked.

Illinois residents should always be vigilant when seeking medical treatment. If you or your unborn child has been injured by a doctor's negligence, you should seriously consider seeking help to protect your rights.

Source: abcnews.com, "2 Abortion Providers Charged with Murder in Md.," Bun Nuckols, Dec. 30, 2011