An Ohio doctor has been suspended from practicing medicine after allegedly forcing his pregnant girlfriend to take abortion drugs he ordered under his estranged wife's name. The Ohio Medical Board announced the suspension of Dr. Hassan-James Abbas on November 5, citing "clear and convincing evidence" of violations of state drug and medical practice laws.
The reported victim, referred to as "Patient 1," stated that Abbas's employer, the University of Toledo Medical Center, was aware of the incident since early 2025 but did not take action until the board's decision. Abbas, 32, is accused of poisoning his girlfriend with mifepristone in December 2024 after she informed him of her pregnancy and her intention to keep the baby.
According to the board's summary, Abbas's relationship with the woman began shortly after his separation from his wife in October 2024. After learning of the pregnancy, he allegedly pressured her to have an abortion. He utilized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's relaxed mail-order regulations to obtain the abortion pills, ordering them using his estranged wife's personal information without her consent.
The board reported that Abbas held onto the pills for several days before attempting to administer them. He prescribed anti-nausea medication to his girlfriend during this time. On December 18, after the woman scheduled her first prenatal appointment, Abbas allegedly forced her to ingest the crushed pills while physically restraining her.
The woman attempted to call 911 during the incident, but Abbas reportedly hung up the call. She later sought medical attention for vaginal bleeding, claiming she had been held down and forced to take an unknown substance. The board's report indicated that Abbas admitted to ordering the pills under another name and administering them to his girlfriend, although he claimed she had consented to take them.
The Ohio Medical Board determined that Abbas's actions likely constituted a felony and posed a danger to public safety. As a result, he is currently prohibited from practicing medicine in Ohio but has 30 days to request a hearing regarding his license. The board will consider whether to restore, limit, or revoke his medical license and may impose a civil penalty of up to $20,000.
While Abbas faces potential disciplinary action from the medical board, he has not yet been charged by the state. The case raises concerns about the safety of women regarding access to abortion medications, particularly in cases of coercion.
Polling indicates that a significant majority of respondents believe that chemical abortion drugs can be misused by abusers to cover up exploitation. Advocates are calling for more stringent screening processes for women seeking such medications to prevent abuse and ensure safety.
The incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding abortion access and the potential risks associated with mail-order medications, especially in vulnerable situations.
Why it matters
- Legal or policy outcomes depend on hearings, rulemaking, and potential court challenges.
- Dr. Abbas's suspension underscores serious violations of medical ethics and drug laws, raising concerns about patient safety.
- The case highlights the potential for abuse in the use of abortion medications, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
- The incident reflects broader societal debates on abortion access and the risks of coercion in reproductive health decisions.
What’s next
- Abbas has 30 days to request a hearing on his medical license status.
- Advocates are pushing for legislative changes to enhance screening for abortion medication access.
- The Ohio Medical Board may impose a civil penalty of up to $20,000 on Abbas.